THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, May 14, 1995 TAG: 9505120196
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 09 EDITION: FINAL
LENGTH: Short : 41 lines
For the second time this year, the Health Department has reported a rabid raccoon in the Great Neck area.
The raccoon, that fought with a dog on Inlynnview Drive, was diagnosed with the rabies virus Wednesday.
The dog was protected by the rabies vaccine and will be placed under quarantine for 90 days.
This is the second rabid animal reported in the city and also the second reported in Great Neck this year, according to department director, Frank ``Skip'' Scanlon.
``This indicates that the disease is present in the raccoon population throughout our city,'' said Scanlon, when asked if the cases were related. ``It's sort of like a wake-up call.''
The first confirmed rabies case in a raccoon occurred in April on Back Cove Road in the Shorehaven area. The raccoon had fought with a dog.
In 1994, there were 14 confirmed rabies cases in the city, all of them raccoons.
Prior to that, and according to Scanlon, in 1992 Virginia Beach saw its first case of confirmed rabies in the Princess Anne area. Since, the rabid animals have been found throughout the city.
According to the Health Department, 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 that 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: RABIES by CNB