Cat tests positive for rabies in Hanover County

HANOVER COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — A cat has tested positive for rabies in the Mechanicsville area of Hanover County.

According to the Virginia Department of Health’s Chickahominy Health District, a white and gray cat from the area of Meadowbridge Road near Ellerson Farm Drive, Franklin Lane and Ellerson Station Drive has tested positive for rabies.

The district said the cat no longer poses a threat to the public.

Anyone with information regarding exposure to the cat in the days leading up to July 19 — like a bite, scratch, or contact with salvia to an open wound or eyes, nose or mouth — should contact the Hanover Health Department at 804-365-4613.

Exposures also include direct contact between your pet and the rabid cat.

After hours, residents can contact Hanover County Animal Control at 804-365-6140.

The district reminds residents that rabies is a fatal, but preventable disease carried by mammals that is endemic to the area. Residents can take the following steps to help prevent the spread of rabies:

• Vaccinate your pets.
• Report all exposures to animals, usually bites and scratches, to your doctor and the local health department.
• Enjoy wildlife from a distance. Don’t feed or encourage wild animals like raccoons, skunks or foxes to visit your home.

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