Bat tests positive for rabies in Dinwiddie
VENN
DINWIDDIE COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- A bat recently tested positive for rabies in Dinwiddie County, with local health districts providing tips for residents to stay safe from the disease.
In a Monday release from the Virginia Department of Health's (VDH) Crater Health District, officials said that a bat tested positive for the virus near Luther Drive in the county's Church Road area.
The Dinwiddie Health Department and Crater Health District, along with the Dinwiddie Animal Service Unit, encouraged animal owners to check that vaccinations for their pets are up to date and to report stray animals that they see.
Anyone with information relating to exposure for this bat specifically, which includes a bite, scratch, or contact with saliva by open wound or eyes, nose or mouth, should contact the Crater Health District Environmental Health Office at 804-863-1652.
"Rabies is a preventable disease. Vaccinate your pets, avoid contact with wild animals and seek immediate care if bitten," said Toinette Waldon, Environmental Health Manager, Crater Health District.
The department also shared the following tips to prevent exposure to rabies:
- Vaccinate all cats, dogs and ferrets against rabies and keep them up to date
- Avoid contact with wild animals or stray cats and dogs
- Report stray animals to your local animal control agency
- Enjoy wildlife from a distance -- don't feed or encourage wild animals or stray cats and dogs to visit your premises
As described by the health district, rabies has links to a virus that targets the nervous system and can end up being deadly if proper treatment is not sought.
If you, or someone you know, is bitten by a wild or stray animal, make sure to thoroughly wash the wound with soapy warm water and contact either animal control, a healthcare provider or the Crater Health District, officials said.
Contact Dinwiddie Animal Services Unit at 804-469-4547 to report a stray or suspicious animal.
For more information, visit the VDH webpage for rabies.
