Rabid raccoon found off of Huguenot

From the Richmond City Health District:

In order to protect the health of residents and visitors, the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) is issuing a notice that a racoon found in the area around the 8600 block of Chippenham Road has tested positive for rabies.

Richmond Animal Care & Control (RACC) was notified on February 14 that a rabies-vaccinated dog encountered an ill raccoon in the vicinity of the 8600 block of Chippenham Road. The raccoon was collected by RACC and submitted for testing. Results were positive for rabies. The dog received a booster dose of the rabies vaccine. There are NO known exposures to humans or additional animals at this time.

Anyone having information regarding any exposure to this animal (bite, scratch or contact with saliva by open wound or eyes, nose, or mouth) should contact the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Environmental Health Office at 804-205-3912. Exposures also include direct contact between your pet and the rabid animal. After hours, please contact Richmond Animal Care & Control at 804-646-5573.

Steps to prevent the spread of rabies:

To protect pets and their owners from rabies, Virginia law requires that all dogs and cats four months of age and older be vaccinated for rabies by a licensed veterinarian, and that vaccinations be kept current.

Richmond and Henrico Health Districts remind all community members to follow these important rabies prevention guidelines:

Do not feed stray animals.

Avoid wild animals, especially raccoons, bats, foxes and skunks.

Feed your pets indoors and do not let them wander.

Teach children to avoid contact with wild animals and pets they are not familiar with.

Do not handle sick, injured or dead animals.

Keep wild animals out of homes by capping chimneys with screens and blocking openings in attics, cellars and porches.

Ensure trash cans have tight fitting lids.

If you are bitten by a wild or stray animal, wash the wound(s) thoroughly with warm soapy water and contact animal control, your healthcare provider or the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts. For more information about
rabies, visit: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/animal-contact-human-health/rabies-control/.