James City County, Va. – A skunk that has tested positive for the rabies virus was found in James City County, according to the Peninsula Health District.
It happened near the intersection of Centerville Road and News Road.
“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 Peninsula Health District said in a news release. “Our 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.”
Officials have not said if any people or animals were attacked by the skunk, but wanted to notify residents and businesses around the area.
The Peninsula Health District wants to remind all citizens to follow these four important rabies prevention guidelines:
- Vaccinate your pets.
- Report all exposures to animals (usually bites and scratches) to your doctor and the local health department.
- Enjoy wildlife from a distance – don’t feed or encourage wild animals such as raccoons, skunks or foxes to visit your premises.
- Do not feed your pets outside, leave trash uncovered, or do anything that may attract wild animals to your property.
If you have any information about any exposure (humans or pets) to this animal (bite, scratch or contact with saliva by open wound or eyes, nose, mouth), contact the Health Department at (757) 603-4277 or James City Animal Control at (757) 253-1800.
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