THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, July 9, 1995 TAG: 9507070648
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 13 EDITION: FINAL
LENGTH: Short : 36 lines
The Virginia Beach Health Department has confirmed that a bat, killed by a pet dog in Kempsville last month, and a raccoon in the Aragona neighborhood, both had rabies.
The incidents mark the third and fourth confirmed cases of rabies in Virginia Beach this year.
The incident involving the bat occurred June 26 in the Charlestown Lakes subdivision. The dog was not protected by a rabies vaccination and was euthanized at the owner's request.
The Aragona case was confirmed last Thursday after a raccoon was involved in a fight with a pet dog on Paine Lane. Because the dog had not been vaccinated, the owner had the animal euthanized as a precaution.
Rabies, once established in humans or animals, is invariably fatal. The Health Department recommends that residents take the following steps to prevent families and pets from becoming exposed:
Report all animal bites to the Animal Control Bureau at 427-5616 or the Health Department at 491-5940.
Do not approach wild or stray animals, especially raccoons, foxes, skunks and cats.
Ensure all pet dogs and cats have a current rabies vaccination. If you have any questions consult your veterinarian or the local Health Department.
Report any strange behavior in unconfined animals to Animal Control.
Confine your pets to your property, particularly in the southern part of the city. by CNB