Alert 9/11/08 Rabid Dog in Virginia – Please Read
CROSS-POST PLEASE
This notice was sent out 9/8/08, but we just received it today. We assume there may be others who have not seen it as well.
Lillian Clancy and Don Marro
The Botetourt County Sheriff's Office has just sent out an advisory warning that one of the dogs involved in the August 31 animal rescue in neighboring Alleghany County has tested positive for rabies. At least 11 people are now being treated for exposure, and authorities advise anyone who may have come in contact with one of the animals to contact the health department. They also are trying to track down some of the dogs that were turned over to a dog rescue group and sent to the Richmond area.
The full release follows:
FROM: Alleghany County Sheriff’s Department
Covington , Virginia
Botetourt County Sheriff’s Department
Fincastle , Virginia
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—
Multi-Jurisdictional Rabies Alert Follows
Alleghany County Dog Rescue Operation
Alleghany County and Botetourt County animal control personnel, Troutville veterinary care professionals, animal rescue volunteers, and animal foster home families involved in a dog rescue operation August 31 in Alleghany County are being alerted to a positive finding of rabies in one of the animals involved.
The rabies finding by the Virginia Department of Health was made September 6 following the September 4 death of one of the dogs that had been suspected of having rabies and was in quarantine at the Roanoke Valley Regional Animal Shelter.
Ten definite exposures to rabies as a result of the rescue operation resulted in vaccinations being administered to three animal control officers (one each from Staunton , Alleghany County , and Botetourt County ), one animal rescue volunteer from Botetourt County , and seven Roanoke Valley veterinary care professionals.
The Virginia Department of Health is making a focused effort to trace the placement of five adult dogs that in the early stages of the rescue operation were released to the American Black and Tan Coonhound Rescue Association and transported to the Richmond area.
The animal rescue operation was a multi-jurisdictional effort, including the Virginia Animal Fighting Task Force, undertaken at the request of the Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office following the unattended death of the animals’ owner in his Alleghany County residence. Some of the animals were staked outside and others were running loose. Thirteen adult dogs were captured. Carcasses of two more dogs were found and another is thought to be in impenetrable underbrush.
Any person having concerns regarding possible exposure to rabies as a result of this event is urged to contact their local Health Department.