Crime & Safety

Cat With Rabies Found in Prince William County

The animal was found in eastern Prince William County.

A domestic cat found in Woodbridge earlier this month has tested positive for rabies, causing concern among Prince William Health officials. 

The young adult cat had gray fur and appeared to have an injured leg. It was found on Dec. 20 near Powells Landing Circle in Woodbridge, Lorrie Andrew-Spear a spokeswoman for Prince William Health District said on Monday. 

The Dec. 20 case makes the 10th confirmed case of animal rabies in the county. 

Anyone who thinks they or their pet may have had contact with the animal should call Prince William Health District at 703-792-5363. 

Rabies attacks the nervous system of human and animals infected with it and is deadly. The rabies virus is found mainly in the saliva and brain tissue of rabid animals.
 It can be transmitted through a bite or by getting saliva or brain tissue in a wound or in the eye or mouth but is preventable through vaccination in cats, dogs, ferrets and some livestock. Dogs and cats can be vaccinated at 4 months old and the vaccine but be re-administered regularly by a veterinarian. 

Prince William Health District offers these tips on avoid rabies: 

  • Do not feed stray animals. Avoid wild animals, especially raccoons, bats, foxes and skunks. 
  • Feed your pets indoors and do not let them wander.
  • 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. Make sure 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
  • If a bat is found indoors and may have had contact with someone, do not release it.






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