Seaford, VA 23696
Two dogs killed a raccoon that tested positive for rabies in York County, according to the Peninsula Health District.
PHD is notifying residents of the Back Creek Road area in Seaford about the rabid raccoon found near their homes.
It is unclear when the raccoon was found and whether the dogs have been tested or treated for rabies. PHD has not yet returned a request for clarification.
Anyone who may have been exposed to the animal or had pets exposed to it should contact the Health Department at 757-594-7340. After hours, contact Animal Control at 757-890-3601.
The Peninsula Health District said in a news release exposure includes bites, scratches, contact with saliva by open wound or eyes, nose or mouth.
Rabies is a fatal disease but is preventable. It is carried by mammals and has been on the Peninsula since the mid-1980s. To prevent rabies, owners should have pets vaccinated, report any animal rabies exposures to their doctor and the local health department, and not feed wild animals.
The Peninsula Health District recommends the following steps to prevent rabies:
- Vaccinate your pets.
- Report all bites and scratches from animals to your doctor and the local health department.
- Don’t get too close to wildlife. Don’t feed or encourage raccoons, skunks or foxes to visit your home.
- Don’t feed your pets outside, leave trash uncovered or do anything that might attract wild animals to your property.
