Virginia Rabies Reports Hit 25-Year High

State health officials received more reports of animal rabies cases last year than in the past 25 years.

In 2007, the Virginia Department of Health received 730 reported cases of rabid animals — the highest number since 1982, when there were 745 reported cases. That’s up from 637 cases in 2006 and 495 cases in 2005.

Raccoons continue to be the animal most commonly diagnosed with rabies. Of 730 cases reported in 2007, 359 were rabid raccoon cases. Skunks were next, with 185 cases, followed by foxes, with 90.

The rabid animal count also included 36 cats and five dogs, most of which were either stray or had not had proper vaccinations, according to the health department.

The increase doesn’t necessarily reflect a spike in the number of animals in the wild with rabies, said Julia Murphy, public health veterinarian with the department of health. It could mean that humans and their pets are having more encounters with rabid animals and are reporting those animals to the health department, she said.

During Rabies Awareness Week this week, health officials are encouraging pet owners to keep their animals’ immunizations up to date. State law requires all dogs and cats over the age of four months to be vaccinated against rabies.

More information Rabies is a disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system. It kills almost any mammal that gets sick from it.

Free rabies vaccinations are being provided at clinics throughout the state, including one at Denbigh High School in Newport News on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For more information on finding a local rabies clinic, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov /epidemiology/DEE/Rabies /RabiesClinics.htm