Health officials warn of two cases of rabid skunks in Botetourt County
BOTETOURT COUNTY, Va. ( WFXR ) – The Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Districts have announced two new cases of rabies in Botetourt County.
Health officials said two confirmed cases of rabid skunks were found near McIntosh Road in Cloverdale and Webster Road in Blue Ridge.
On Friday, October 11, VDH retrieved the animal from McIntosh Road in the Read Mountain area and tests resulted in a positive confirmation on Friday, October 18.
On Sunday, October 13, VDH retrieved the animal from Webster Rd in the Blue Ridge area and tests resulted in a positive confirmation on Friday, October 18.
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
Spreading rabies is preventable. Everyone should do the following:
AVOID contact with wild animals and domestic animals you do not know
REPORT injured or threatening animals
VACCINATE all your dogs, cats, and ferrets, and keep their vaccinations current
CALL your doctor and the local health department if you are exposed, or your veterinarian and local animal control if your pet is exposed to an animal with rabies
