THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Friday, August 30, 1996               TAG: 9608300503
SECTION: LOCAL                   PAGE: B4   EDITION: FINAL 
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT 
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH                    LENGTH:   30 lines

ALANTON RACCOON HAD RABIES, BEACH OFFICIALS SAY

The city's Health Department confirmed Thursday that a raccoon involved in a fight with a dog in the Alanton area has tested positive for rabies.

It marks the ninth rabid animal to be identified this year in Virginia Beach and the 48th since an epidemic began in the city in 1992.

The dog, which lives on Turnstone Quay, was protected by a current vaccination and will be placed under house confinement for 90 days.

Health officials were especially concerned about the incident because it occurred within one mile of four city schools, which begin classes Tuesday. Officials already have planned to present a ``Kids Against Rabies'' education program in several schools this year.

Pet owners are reminded to check that their dogs or cats have a current rabies vaccination. ILLUSTRATION: CITY WARNING

Parents and other residents are advised to stay clear of any wild

animals - especially raccoons, bats, opossums and skunks - and stray

dogs or cats.

Any animal bites and scratches should be reported to the Animal

Control Bureau (427-5616) or Health Department (491-5940).

KEYWORDS: RABIES by CNB