Richmond, Va. (Newsradiowrva.com) - Officials with Richmond Animal Care & Control (RACC) have impounded a raccoon that was exhibiting “aggressive” behavior.
The raccoon was observed walking in circles on Hawthorne Avenue in Richmond. It was caught and has since tested positive for rabies, officials said in a Nov. 21 press release.
"There are NO known exposures to any human or animal at this time," officials with the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) said.
Anyone with information regarding exposure to this animal (bite, scratch, or contact with saliva by open wound or eyes, nose, mouth) should contact the RHHD Environmental Health Office at 804-205-3912. Exposures also include direct contact between your pet and the rabid animal.
The RHHD provided the following tips to prevent rabies exposure:
• Make sure your pets are vaccinated against rabies and that those vaccinations are up-to-date. Rabies vaccinations are required by law for dogs and cats.
• Feed your pets inside and do not let them wander outside.
• Do not feed any stray animals and avoid wild animals in general — especially raccoons, bats, foxes and skunks.
• Teach your children to do the same. If they are not familiar with an animal, they should avoid contact.
• Keep wild animals out of your home. Capping chimneys with screens and blocking openings in attics, cellars and porches can help with this.
• Ensure your trash cans have tight-fitting lids to keep wild animals out.
• Do not handle any sick, injured or dead animals.
