
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: MONDAY, September 25, 1995                   TAG: 9509250056
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C-3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE: EMPORIA                                LENGTH: Short

EMPORIA PASSES RABIES LAW

City leaders passed an emergency ordinance in response to a rabies outbreak in this small, rural city of 5,500 people west of Suffolk.

The law puts a 30-day ban on dogs and cats running loose. City officials also are warning residents to avoid and report strange animals.

``We only have it in the raccoons confirmed, but we seriously think it's in the cats. It's a very serious business,'' said George Powell, animal control officer.

Until three months ago, Emporia had reported only one confirmed case of rabies in the past 12 years. Since June, three rabid raccoons have been found in various sections of the city.

Statewide, the number of rabies cases is about the same as last year, said Dr. Suzanne Jenkins, assistant state epidemiologist.

As of last weekend, statewide there were 295 confirmed cases of rabies in animals, compared with 286 for the same period last year.

- Associated Press

by CNB