Raccoon tests positive for rabies in Sussex County

SUSSEX COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — A raccoon has tested positive for rabies after it was found in Sussex County earlier in May.

According to the Virginia Department of Health, the raccoon was found on a property along Longevity Road in the Stoney Creek area of the county on Sunday, May 12.

A pet dog protected its owners from the raccoon, and since then, the raccoon has tested positive for rabies.

“Please notify public health officials or animal control immediately if you live near Longevity Road and think that you or your pet(s) had contact with the infected raccoon. The community’s safety is our priority. Make sure your pets are vaccinated, especially against rabies, “said Crater Health District Director Alton Hart, Jr., MD, MPH, MDiv.

The department urges that residents take the following steps to prevent families and pets from being exposed to rabies:

• Vaccinate all cats, dogs and ferrets against rabies and keep them up to date.
• Avoid contact with wild animals or stray cats and dogs.
• Do not feed wild animals or stray cats and dogs.
• Report stray animals to your local animal control agency.
• Eliminate outdoor food sources around the home.
• Keep pets confined to your property or walk them on a leash.

To report a stray and/or suspicious animal, contact the Sussex Animal Control at 804-898-5371.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRIC ABC 8News.