HAMPTON, Va. (WVEC) — Raccoons in Hampton and Norfolk have tested positive for rabies.
According to the Hampton Health Department, a raccoon was killed by a family dog in the Tide Mill area of Hampton on December 11, 2018. The raccoon was submitted to the State Laboratory in Richmond for testing, where it was found to be positive for rabies.
On December 12, the Norfolk Department of Health collected a rabid raccoon in the Taylor Drive in the Maple Hall/Hollywood Homes neighborhood. The raccoon was subsequently euthanized and sent for testing to the Virginia Department of Consolidated Laboratory Services in Richmond.
Hampton Environmental Health Manager Gary Hagy urges all citizens to make sure that their pets have current rabies shots. He also advises residents to not feed wild animals or leave food outside for their pets that may attract wild animals.
All contact with wild or stray animals should be avoided. If anyone is bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately wash the wound thoroughly and contact your physician or the Health Department for further advice.
If a citizen sees a sickly animal, particularly a raccoon, they should call the Hampton City Animal Control at 727-6111, or the Norfolk Animal Control at 757-664-7387, and advise them of its location so they can pick up the animal. Anyone needing additional information should call the Hampton Health Department at 727-2570 or the Norfolk Department of Public Health at 757-683-2712.
► Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13News Now App.
