Rabid Cat Found in Woodbridge

A cat has been found with rabies in Woodbridge, according to the Prince William Health Department. The health department also issued a notice to Nokesville area residents regarding an increase in wildlife found with rabies.

The rabies virus kills almost any mammal or human that gets sick from it, but is preventable in animals with vaccines. The rabies virus can be transmitted through a bite or by getting saliva or brain tissue in a wound or in the eye or mouth, according to the health department.

A cat found Monday near Forest Glen Road tested positive for rabies. The adult cat has short gray and white fur. PWHD asks anyone who may have come in contact with a cat acting strangely in or around the area to call the health district at 703-792-5363 or the Prince William Animal Control Division at 703-792-6500.

Also, the Prince William Health District is reminding the public to avoid contact with bats, feral cats, stray dogs and wild animals, particularly in the area where the sick cat was found.

Meanwhile, the health department has detected an increase in rabid wildlife in the Nokesville area, including four raccoons and one skunk.

Additional Steps to Protect Against Rabies Exposure:

• Do not feed 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, all dogs, cats and ferrets 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.
• 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.
• If you observe any stray animals in the area, please contact the Prince William County Animal Control Division for assistance at 703-792-6500. Please 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. Please call the Prince William County Animal Control Division at 703-792-6500, to determine if the animal should be picked up and tested for rabies.