Poquoson, Va. – A raccoon has tested positive for rabies in the area of Cedar Road and Riverview Drive in Poquoson, according to Lois Gary of the Peninsula Health District.
The Peninsula Health District is notifying the residents of the Cedar Road and Riverview Drive area of Poquoson that a raccoon has tested positive for the rabies virus.
The raccoon was killed by two dogs. It was then tested for the rabies virus and found to be positive, officials say.
Anyone having information regarding any exposure to this animal (bite, scratch or contact with saliva by open wound or eyes, nose, mouth) is asked to contact the Health Department at (757) 594-7340. Exposures also include direct contact between your pet and the rabid animal. After hours, please contact the Newport News Animal Control by calling the police non-emergency telephone number at (757) 247-2500.
Rabies is a fatal, but preventable, disease that is carried by mammals and has been in the wild animal population on the Peninsula since the mid 1980’s.
The local office of Environmental Health Services will be contacting the immediate neighbors as well as any civic or homeowner’s association that serves the community.
The District would like to remind all citizens to follow these four important rabies prevention guidelines:
1. Vaccinate your pets.
2. Report all exposures to animals (usually bites and scratches) to your doctor and the local health department.
3. Enjoy wildlife from a distance – do not feed or encourage wild animals such as raccoons, skunks or foxes to visit your premises.
4. Do not feed your pets outside, leave trash uncovered, or do anything that may attract wild animals to your property.
