THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, April 21, 1995 TAG: 9504200157
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
LENGTH: Short : 38 lines
A raccoon that fought with a pet dog in the Shorehaven area off Great Neck Road this month was the first rabid animal identified in Virginia Beach this year.
The raccoon, which tested positive for rabies on April 18, tangled with a dog on Back Cove Road. The pet was protected by the rabies vaccination and has been placed under confinement and observation for 90 days.
Last year there were 14 rabid animals identified in Virginia Beach - all raccoons. Although cases were reported throughout the city, several were in the Thoroughgood area, according to Valeria Reich, environmental health supervisor for the Health Department. ``With the weather warming I think we're going to see an increase,'' she said.
The city had its first confirmed case of rabies in August 1992. Until recently, most cases were confined to the rural southern part of the city, but last year the problem spread to Thoroughgood and other areas. Health officials suspect the first Thoroughgood raccoon was probably transported from the rural area to Thoroughgood in a truck or other vehicle.
According to the Health Department, Virginia Beach residents:
Should report all animal bites to Animal Control at 427-5616 or the Health Department at 491-5940.
Should not approach wild or stray animals, especially raccoons, foxes, skunks and cats.
Should ensure all pet dogs and cats have a current rabies vaccination. If you have questions, call your veterinarian or the Health Department.
Should confine their pets to their property.
KEYWORDS: RACCOON RABIES by CNB