‘Aggressive’ raccoon tests positive for rabies in Richmond
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- A raccoon exhibiting "aggressive" behavior in Richmond has tested positive for rabies. The raccoon was found in the area of Hawthorne Avenue on Saturday, Nov. 16 by Richmond Animal Control (RACC), according to a Nov. 21 press release from the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD). According to the release, RACC observed the "aggressive" raccoon walking in circles in the roadway. It was impounded, where it later tested positive for rabies. "There are NO known exposures to any human or animal at this time," the RHHD said. However, if you know of any human or animal exposures to this raccoon -- including bites, scratches or contact with its saliva in the eyes, nose, mouth or an open wound -- you are asked to contact the RHHD's Environmental Health Office at 804-205-3912. You can get help after hours from RACC at 804-646-5573. The RHHD provided the following tips to prevent rabies exposure: Make sure your pets are vaccinated against rabies and that those vaccinations are up-to-date. Rabies vaccinations are required by law for dogs and cats. Feed your pets inside and do not let them wander outside. Do not feed any stray animals and avoid wild animals in general -- especially raccoons, bats, foxes and skunks. Teach your children to do the same. If they are not familiar with an animal, they should avoid contact. Keep wild animals out of your home. Capping chimneys with screens and blocking openings in attics, cellars and porches can help with this. Ensure your trash cans have tight-fitting lids to keep wild animals out. Do not handle any sick, injured or dead animals. If you are ever bitten by a wild or stray animal, wash any wounds thoroughly with warm soapy water and immediately contact your local animal control, your healthcare provider and/or the RHHD. For more information on rabies, visit the Virginia Department of Health's website.
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RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- A raccoon exhibiting "aggressive" behavior in Richmond has tested positive for rabies.
The raccoon was found in the area of Hawthorne Avenue on Saturday, Nov. 16 by Richmond Animal Control (RACC), according to a Nov. 21 press release from the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD).
According to the release, RACC observed the "aggressive" raccoon walking in circles in the roadway. It was impounded, where it later tested positive for rabies.
"There are NO known exposures to any human or animal at this time," the RHHD said.
However, if you know of any human or animal exposures to this raccoon -- including bites, scratches or contact with its saliva in the eyes, nose, mouth or an open wound -- you are asked to contact the RHHD's Environmental Health Office at 804-205-3912. You can get help after hours from RACC at 804-646-5573.
The RHHD provided the following tips to prevent rabies exposure:
- Make sure your pets are vaccinated against rabies and that those vaccinations are up-to-date. Rabies vaccinations are required by law for dogs and cats.
- Feed your pets inside and do not let them wander outside.
- Do not feed any stray animals and avoid wild animals in general -- especially raccoons, bats, foxes and skunks.
- Teach your children to do the same. If they are not familiar with an animal, they should avoid contact.
- Keep wild animals out of your home. Capping chimneys with screens and blocking openings in attics, cellars and porches can help with this.
- Ensure your trash cans have tight-fitting lids to keep wild animals out.
- Do not handle any sick, injured or dead animals.
If you are ever bitten by a wild or stray animal, wash any wounds thoroughly with warm soapy water and immediately contact your local animal control, your healthcare provider and/or the RHHD.
For more information on rabies, visit the Virginia Department of Health's website.
