ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times

DATE: Saturday, May 4, 1996                  TAG: 9605060131
SECTION: VIRGINIA                 PAGE: C-4  EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 

RABID RACCOON ATTACKS PULASKI DOG

A rabid raccoon attacked a Pulaski dog recently, the 43rd confirmed case of raccoon rabies in the New River Valley Health District since 1990, according to a Health Department news release.

Dr. Jody Hershey, director of the district, said Friday that anyone bitten by a wild animal should get medical help immediately and report the bite to the local Health Department or animal control officer.

The spread of rabies from wild animals to domestic dogs and cats can be controlled with vaccinations and by keeping pets confined to areas where wild animals cannot enter. Animal control officers will remove unwanted stray animals, Hershey said.

For information about the prevention and control of rabies, contact the local Health Department: Floyd County, 745-2141; Giles County, 921-2891; Montgomery County, 381-7100; Pulaski County, 980-1490; and Radford, 831-5774.

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