Six animals test positive for rabies in Carroll County

Staff Report

The Virginia Department of Health and the Mount Rogers Health District announced last Thursday that a grey fox had tested positive for rabies less than three weeks after a rabid skunk was identified in the same area.

The grey fox was seen chasing a cat, approaching a donkey and showing a lack of fear of humans on Aug. 28. 

“The fox was captured while chewing an electrical cord on a residential porch on Farm Brook Road,” MRHD stated. “This is the sixth animal to test positive for rabies in Carroll County in a month.” 

The skunk-related case referenced in the fox incident occurred on Aug. 12 on Stone Mountain Road in the Laurel Fork area. 

MRHD reported that the skunk “attacked raccoons and chased/attacked cats” that are a part of a colony of about 20. The statement noted that “attempts to secure at-risk animals” was underway. 

On Aug. 22, VDH issued a release about a confirmed case of rabies in a “feral cat found acting aggressively” in the 1200 block of N. Main St. in Hillsville. It was reportedly “lunging at pedestrians and possibly engaging with other animals in the area.” 

This incident particularly raised health concerns, the VDH stated, because of the Labor Day Flea Market and its proximity to Carroll County Middle School and the public library, VDH said. 

All mammals, including humans, can get rabies. Symptoms may appear as early as a few days or as late as several months after exposure. 

According to VDH, signs of rabies in animals can include:

• Aggression or lack of fear of humans
• Excessive drooling or foaming of the mouth
• Difficulty swallowing
• Staggering or paralysis
• Seizures
• Fear of water

Residents are reminded to follow these important rabies prevention guidelines:

• Do not feed or pet stray animals.
• Avoid wild animals, especially raccoons, bats, foxes and skunks.
• Feed your pets indoors and do not let them wander.
• Make sure your pets are vaccinated against rabies and their shots are up to date. By law, dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies.
• Teach children to avoid contact with wild animals and pets they are not familiar with.
• Do not handle sick, injured or dead animals. 

If you see a wild animal that appears to be ill, injured or orphaned, contact the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources at www.dwr.virginia.gov or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for guidance.

For more information about rabies, visit the VDH Rabies webpage at www.vdh.virginia.gov/animal-contact-human-health/rabies-control.