PORTSMOUTH, Va. – A raccoon that was killed during an altercation with several dogs has tested positive for rabies.
Portsmouth Animal Control responded to a home on Jewell Avenue on October 16 after a resident reported the fight.
On October 18, Portsmouth Health Department received word that the raccoon had tested positive for rabies.
The dogs are being properly managed by Portsmouth Animal Control after their exposure. No humans have been exposed, they say.
The Health Department strongly advises that Portsmouth residents and visitors take the following
steps to prevent families and pets from being exposed to rabies:
1. ELIMINATE OUTDOOR FOOD SOURCES AROUND THE HOME:
A. Do not feed stray dogs or cats, or any wild animal.
B. Garbage containers should be securely sealed with lids.
C. After feeding pets, bring leftover food inside or dispose of it properly.
D. Bird food should be placed in a bird feeder inaccessible to wild animals.
E. Food stored in outbuildings (barns, open garages) should be inaccessible to animals.
2. AVOID CONTACT BETWEEN YOURSELF (OR YOUR PETS) AND WILD
ANIMALS OR STRAY DOGS AND CATS:
A. Report any stray animals to the Portsmouth Bureau of Animal Control at 393-8430 and
avoid contact with this animal. If contact occurs between any wild animal and you or
your pet, contact the Portsmouth Department of Public Health at 393-8585 ext. 8585.
It is imperative that you receive medical treatment as soon as possible. Call your
veterinarian to examine your pet for wounds and administer a booster rabies shot.
B. Keep dogs and cats confined to your property. Animals that are allowed to roam are
more prone to come into contact with wild animals such as foxes and raccoons.
3. VACCINATE ALL PETS AGAINST RABIES, IT’S THE LAW!
(Code of the City of Portsmouth, Chapter 4 Animals, Article 4 Rabies
Control- Section 4-96. Vaccination of Dogs or Cats).
