Another Rabies/Raccoon Incident: A few blocks from the intersection of George Mason and 4 Mile Run, a dog killed a raccoon in its backyard. Arlington authorities collected the raccoon, which tested positive for rabies.The dog appears to be fine but is quarantined at home for 45 days.
Across the area, reports of encounters with rabid raccoons are on the rise. Officials advise residents to leave wild animals alone if encountered and to take precautions:
Across the area, reports of encounters with rabid raccoons are on the rise. Officials advise residents to leave wild animals alone if encountered and to take precautions:
- Make sure your pets are vaccinated against rabies and their shots are up to date. By law, all dogs, cats and ferrets must be vaccinated against rabies.
- Do not touch or feed stray animals; call the Animal Welfare League of Arlington, Animal Control Division at 703-931-9241 to have them picked up.
- Avoid wild animals, especially raccoons, bats, foxes, and skunks.
- Keep wild animals out of homes by capping chimneys with screens and blocking openings in attics, cellars and porches.
- Do not handle sick, injured or dead animals.
- Teach children to avoid contact with wild animals and unfamiliar pets.
- If a bat is found indoors and may have had contact with someone, do not release it. Call the Animal Welfare League of Arlington, Animal Control Division at 703-931-9241 to determine if the animal should be picked up and tested for rabies.
- Do not feed pets outdoors. Pet food, even the odor of it, in empty containers and on the ground, draws wildlife.
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