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Skunk found on private property in James City County tests positive for rabies

Posted at 5:00 PM, Dec 03, 2018
and last updated 2018-12-03 17:00:50-05

JAMES CITY Co., Va. – A skunk found in the area of Riverview Road and York River Park Road in James City County has tested positive for the rabies virus.

The Peninsula Health District is warning residents in that area because the skunk was encountered on private property nearby.

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) 603-4277. Exposures also include direct contact between your pet and the rabid animal.

The Peninsula Health District said 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. Neighbors have been alerted 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. 2. Report all exposures to animals (usually bites and scratches) to your doctor and the local health department.
  3. 3. Enjoy wildlife from a distance – don’t feed or encourage wild animals such as raccoons, skunks or foxes to visit your premises.
  4. 4. Do not feed your pets outside, leave trash uncovered, or do anything that may attract wild animals to your property.