Numbers are In For Rabies Cases Reported In State For 2012

The Department of Health confirmed 560 cases of animal rabies in the state last year. Of that total– 3 cases came from Appomattox County and 5 in Lynchburg City; 6 cases in Amherst, 7 in Campbell and 14 from Bedford. The most commonly reported rabid animals include foxes, raccoons, skunks, and bats. Domestic animals are not automatically immune, therefore Virginia requires dogs to be vaccinated against rabies and licensed in the city or county they reside. It’s recommended that cats get vaccinated, but it is not required. According to health officials, when rabies cases are found they’re consider urgent situations; the vector borne, viral illness is 100 percent fatal when left untreated, unfortunately, and the window for treatment is short.