Health Dept. warns of rabid cat in Carroll

Rabies notice: Rabid cat

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has issued a warning of a rabid cat in Hillsville.

According to the VDH, a feral, short-haired black cat attacked a person who was in their yard in the area of Groundhog Mountain Road and Willis Gap Road in Hillsville.

"The attack was unprovoked. This cat has tested POSITIVE FOR RABIES," a spokesperson for the VDH said in a press release. "Residents in the area note that the community has a large number of stray cats. Stray cats in this area should be considered high risk for rabies."

If any person or mammal pets may have had recent contact with a suspicious cat in this area, please contact the Carroll County Health Department ta (276) 730-3180. Please make sure to have your pets' rabies vaccination up to date. Livestock may also be vaccinated for rabies.

Remember, rabies is fatal once the symptoms appear.

All mammals (including humans) can get rabies. Rabies is most commonly transmitted by a bite, but may also be transmitted by saliva or brain tissue of a rabid animal coming into contact with eyes, mucous membranes, or open wounds.