LYNCHBURG, Va. (WSET) — Following the skunk that tested positive for rabies in Lynchburg over the weekend, the Virginia Department of Health is shedding light on its investigation.
The Virginia Department of Health said when a wild animal is the source of rabies, they send its head to the state lab in Richmond for testing.
“In the case of a domestic animal, whether that animal has a current rabies vaccination, if a wild animal is the source of the exposure, we send the animal’s head to the state lab in Richmond for rabies testing,” VDH said.
They said they can’t really track what animals that skunk came into contact with.
“There is no practical way to determine where a wild animal may have been prior to an attack,” VDH said.
Neighbor Donna St. Clair said she is concerned that skunk is not the only animal infected.
“It is packed with woods interspersed with where we live. It is ridiculous to think that there is only one rabid skunk in the woods,” St. Clair said.
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VDH said to treat every wild animal as if it has rabies.
“It’s best to assume that any animal that potentially exposes a domestic animal or person to rabies (for example, by a bite) is rabid until proven otherwise,” VDH said.
VDH said it’s your responsibility to prevent yourself and your animals from getting rabies.
“We want to remind the public that each person needs to take responsibility for preventing the transmission of rabies from wild animals to pets and people,” VDH said.
That’s why it’s really important to make sure your pets are vaccinated against rabies.
SEE ALSO: Skunk tests positive for rabies in Lynchburg
As far as tips to keep you and your pets safe, VDH says:
Do not feed stray animals. Avoid wild animals, especially raccoons, bats, foxes and skunks. Feed your pets indoors and do not let them wander.
Teach children to avoid contact with wild animals and pets they are not familiar with.
Do not handle sick, injured or dead animals. Contact a licensed wildlife rehabber if you have concerns about sick or injured wildlife.
Keep wild animals out of homes by capping chimneys with screens and blocking openings in attics, cellars and porches. Ensure trash cans have tight fitting lids.
Do not try to trap or handle stray and wild animals. If a bat is found indoors and may have had contact with someone, do not release it. Call your local animal control officer or health department to determine if the animal should be picked up and tested for rabies.
Report all bites to people to the local health department for investigation.