CRAIG COUNTY, Va. (WFXR) – The Roanoke County City and Alleghany Health Districts have confirmed a case of rabies in a cow in Craig County
The cow was collected near Sugar Maple Road and Little Maple Road on December 9 and a positive confirmation for rabies was made by the Virginia Department of Health.
Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system. It is preventable in domestic animals through vaccinations but is fatal to both animals and humans if left untreated. Exposure to rabies is considered:
- Any time a bite or scratch (or other circumstance) allows saliva or central nervous system tissue from a potentially rabid animal to enter an open, fresh wound.
- When rabid tissue enters a mucous membrane via the eye, mouth, or nose.
To prevent the spread of rabies, consider the following:
- Avoid all contact with wild and wild animals you don’t know
- Report injured or threatening animals
- Make sure your pets are vaccinated and are up to date on vaccinations
- Call your vet or local health department if you come into contact with a rabid animal
- Contact your vet or local animal control if your pet is exposed to an animal with rabies
The Code of Virginia §3.2-6521 requires pet owners to maintain current rabies vaccinations for dogs and cats aged four months and older. Citizens should not approach or touch any wild or stray animals and should report any abnormal animal behavior to their local animal control dispatcher. All animal bites and rabies exposures (from wild and domestic animals) must be reported to the RCAHD Environmental Health Division at 540-204-9764.
For more information visit, bit.ly/raba102524.