City Issues Rabies Alert After Spike in Rabid Raccoons

By FALLS CHURCH CITY OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS
June 10, 2015

A rabid raccoon was euthanized by the City of Falls Church Police personnel June 4 following an altercation with two dogs in the 100 block of E. Jefferson Street. The Animal Warden says the raccoon tested positive for rabies. The dogs are receiving treatment.

The Fairfax County Health District that encompasses the City has noted a spike in rabid raccoons, and Fairfax Police report that a woman was bitten by a raccoon several times on Wednesday in a park near Springfield. The animal has not been captured, and it’s not known if it is rabid. However, such an aggressive attack is consistent with an animal suffering from the disease, police said.

Most of the raccoons in the abundant population are healthy. If a raccoon or any wild animal appears to be sick or does not move away when near humans, please contact City police at 703-248-5053 (TTY 711).

Rabies is a preventable viral disease of mammals most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. It is a myth that raccoons seen in the daytime are sick. It is not unusual to see raccoons during the day this time of year when the females are weaning their young.

The community should make sure their dogs and cats are currently inoculated for rabies. It is not advisable to let cats roam freely. Also, it is against state law to feed any wildlife as it encourages domestication in wild animals and can spread disease.

Please contact the City of Falls Church Police if you need information or assistance: 703 241-5053 (TTY 711).