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Raccoon tests positive for rabies in Portsmouth neighborhood

Posted at 1:06 PM, Aug 01, 2019
and last updated 2019-08-01 13:06:21-04

PORTSMOUTH, Va. – The Portsmouth Bureau of Animal Control said Thursday that a raccoon found dead in the 400 block of Broad Street tested positive for rabies.

According to Animal Control, on Tuesday, officers responded to a residence where the caller said they found a deceased raccoon in their yard. They learned Wednesday that the raccoon had rabies.

No human exposures have been identified, but two domestic dogs were reported to have been potentially exposed to the raccoon. The dogs are being properly managed by Animal Control and the Environmental Health Team of the Portsmouth Health Department.

The Health Department suggests Portsmouth residents and visitors take these steps to prevent exposure to rabies:

  • Eliminate outdoor food sources around the home. Seal all garbage containers, do not feed wild animals and make sure food stored in barns or open garages is secured.
  • Avoid contact between yourself/your pets and wild animals or strays.
  • Vaccinate all pets against rabies.