The Suffolk Health Department learned Thursday that a raccoon found in the city tested positive for rabies.
The raccoon was involved in an incident with a cat in the 7400 block of Old Myrtle Road on August 17, 2020. The cat has received a rabies vaccine booster and will be under a 45-day confinement.
If you or someone you know was involved in an incident with a wild animal in the vicinity, please contact the Suffolk Health Department or Suffolk Animal Control.
Dr. Todd Wagner, D. O., health director for the Western Tidewater Health District, strongly emphasizes the following recommendations for Suffolk residents to take in protecting their families and their pets from rabies:
- If your pet has been in contact with an animal that might be rabid, contact Suffolk Animal Control at (757) 514-7855 or the Suffolk Health Department at (757) 514-4751.
- Seek medical treatment promptly for any animal bite to ensure appropriate and timely evaluation and treatment. All animal exposures must be taken seriously.
- Do not approach wild or stray animals, especially raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, cats and dogs.
- Ensure all pet dogs, cats and ferrets have current rabies vaccinations. Please consult your veterinarian, Suffolk Animal Control, or the Suffolk Health Department if you have any questions about pet vaccinations.
- Confine your pets to your property.
- Securely seal garbage containers with lids.
