RAPID SKUNK FOUND IN WASH. CO. VA.

WASHINGTON COUNTY VIRGINIA HAS HAD ITS FIRST CONFIRMED CASE OF RABIES IN 2008. ACCORDING TO SHERIFF FRED NEWMAN, THE VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH CONTACTED ANIMAL CONTROL PERSONNEL ON JULY 10TH IN REGARD TO A SKUNK THAT HAD BITTEN A FAMILY PET. THE SKUNK WAS EUTHANIZED, ADN SENT TO THE STATE LAB WHERE IT TESTED POSITIVE FOR RABIES. THE SKUNK WANDERED TO A RESIDENCE ON MOUNTAIN CITY ROAD, JUST EAST OF DAMASCUS, AND ENTERED THE KENNEL WHERE A DOG WAS HOUSED. IN VIEW OF THIS INCIDENT, SHERIFF NEWMAN ENCOURAGES ALL PET OWNERS TO HAVE THEIR PETS VACCINATED FOR RABIES.