RABID RACCOON FOUND ON MEADOW LAKE COURT, NORFOLK. - States News Service

NORFOLK,VA -- The following information was released by the city of Norfolk:

On June 25, 2012, a domestic dog encountered a raccoon, in the backyard of its home on Meadow Lake Court, near Norfolk International Airport and Lake Whitehurst. When the dog's owners responded to the barking, they found a bloody raccoon. The dog was unharmed.

On June 28, 2012, an Environmental Health Specialist Sr. collected the raccoon for testing at the Virginia Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services. Results received this afternoon confirmed that the raccoon had tested positive for rabies. There were no human exposures and the dog was current on its rabies vaccine. It was also examined by a veterinarian who administered a rabies booster shot.

It is important to note that, in the event of any exposure, all animal bites and scratches should be reported to local health departments. Incidents occurring in the City of Norfolk should be reported to the Environmental Health Division of the Norfolk Department of Public Health at 757-683-2712 or Norfolk Animal Control at 757-664-7387. The following precautions are recommended to reduce rabies exposure:

Be sure dogs and cats are up-to-date on vaccinations.

Keep pets confined to home and yard.

Keep yards free of food that could attract wild animals.

Do not handle, touch or take in stray or wild animals.

Warn adults and children to report any animal bites or scratches.

Report stray or unvaccinated animals to Animal Control at 757-664-7387.

Report all animal or human exposures to the Norfolk Health Department at 757-683-2712.

For further information, please contact the Environmental Health Division of the Norfolk Department of Public Health at 757-683-2712.