CHESAPEAKE, Va. - The Chesapeake Health Department warns residents of a raccoon that tested for rabies raccoon in the Brentwood area.
The health departments says a rabid raccoon was in an altercation with a dog in the Brentwood neighborhood on February 7.
Officials warn residents to contact the Chesapeake Animal Control if ones pet has been in contact with a rabid animal.
Rabies is a deadly disease that comes from the saliva and brain of rabid animals. The disease can be transmitted through a bite or contact of saliva or brain tissue on open wounds, eyes, nose, and mouth.
Dr. Nancy Welch, health director for the Chesapeake Health Departments says, rabies is preventable if vaccines are given early, however rabies symptoms usually develop late and are deadly in almost all cases.
The health departments warns residents to vaccinate their pets if they have not done so, as well as caution residents to not approach wild animals.
The department also warns residents to confine pets to property and to make sure garbage cans are secured with lids.
State laws require all dogs and cats over four months to be vaccinated against rabies.
For more information on the rabies disease, click here.
