STAUNTON, VA (Rocktown Now) — The Central Shenandoah Health District is reminding community members to keep their pets vaccinated for rabies after a raccoon collected on Monday December 29, 2025 in the City of Staunton tested positive for rabies.

The raccoon was collected from a residential area West of Thornrose Cemetery, between Gypsy Hill Park and West Beverley Street. There are currently no known human exposures to the raccoon.

“While this raccoon no longer presents a threat, it is a reminder to get your pets vaccinated for rabies and to keep their vaccinations up to date,” says Jason Weakley, Environmental Health Manager at CSHD. “Protecting animals from rabies protects both them and the people around them.”

Anyone having information regarding any potential exposure to this animal via a bite, scratch, or contact with saliva in an open wound or through the eyes, nose, or mouth should contact the Staunton-Augusta Health Department at 540-332-7830. Exposures also include direct contact between your pet and the rabid animal. After hours, for either human or animal exposure concerns, please contact the Virginia Department of Health at 1-866-531-3068.

CSHD reminds all residents to follow these important rabies prevention guidelines:

  • 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, dogs and cats 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. If you see a wild animal that appears to be ill, injured or orphaned, contact the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for guidance.
  • Keep wild animals out of homes by capping chimneys with screens and block openings in attics, cellars and porches.
  • Ensure trash cans have tight fitting lids.

Rabies is linked to a virus that attacks the nervous system and can be deadly if not properly treated. If you are bitten by a wild or stray animal, wash the wound(s) thoroughly with warm soapy water and contact animal control, your healthcare provider, or the Staunton-Augusta Health Department.

For more information about rabies, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/animal-contact-human-health/rabies-control/