Rabies Problems in Suffolk

Animal control officials in Suffolk are busy dealing with an apparent outbreak of rabies in their city.  Two attacks by rabid foxes over Memorial Day weekend were just the latest in Suffolk this year.  Jay Duell with the Western Health District of the Virginia Department of Health tells me there have been five positive rabies cases in Suffolk since New Year's, involving three foxes, a skunk and a raccoon.  There was also a rabid fox attack in Chesapeake in late May.

WVEC-TV had a report this morning that suggested one possible contributing factor.  They reported that a growing population of coyotes is pushing foxes closer to the human population, thereby increasing the chance a person could encounter a fox.

The increase in rabies cases made me wonder just what the pet regulations are in Hampton Roads.  Turns out they vary, depending on the city.  In Virginia Beach, for example, rabies shots and pet licenses are required for dogs and cats.  In Portsmouth, though, vaccinations and licenses are required for dogs only.  There are no such rules for cats.

A rabies expert with the Virginia Beach Health Department once told me that our pets are the barrier between wild animals and us.  Whatever the rabies rules are in your city, health officials say that keeping your pets rabies shots up to date will protect you and your family.

Most people, it seems, are aware of the basic facts of rabies:  the disease is contagious in any mammal and it's almost always fatal.  Fortunately, only two human cases of rabies have been confirmed in Virginia since 1998, according to the State Health Department.

If you have questions about rabies or need to report an animal bite, contact your local health department or animal control bureau.

Links:

Peninsula
--Hampton Animal Control
--Newport News Animal Control
--Peninsula Health District

Chesapeake
--Health Department
--Animal Control

Norfolk
--Department of Health
--Animal Control

Portsmouth
--Health Department
--Portsmouth SCPA

Suffolk
--Health Department
--Animal Control

Virginia Beach
--Department of Public Health
--Animal Control