Rabid Groundhog *ALERT*

The animal, which was found by Maymont staff, was not part of any of the park's wildlife exhibits.


http://www.timesdispatch.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=RTD/MGArticle/RTD_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1149189071898

Crews observed that the groundhog was acting strangely and captured it. City Animal Care and Control officers responded and took the animal for examination. A veterinarian working with Animal Control determined that the groundhog’s symptoms warranted rabies testing. The animal was euthanized and tested. Test results were positive.
The City of Richmond, in collaboration with Maymont officials, the Virginia Department of Health and the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, is closely monitoring this situation.

Citizens are advised to practice the following safety precautions:


Do not approach wild or unfamiliar animals and avoid contact even if they appear friendly.


Immediately report any animal exhibiting abnormal behavior such as disorientation, aggression, or excessive salivation to the City’s Division of Animal Care and Control at 646-0999.


Immediately seek medical attention if you have been bitten by an animal.


Make sure your pets have up-to-date rabies vaccinations.

For more information about rabies, visit the following Virginia Department of Health website:

www.vdh.virginia.gov/epi/rabies.asp
http://www.richmond.com/news/output.aspx?Article_ID=4332685&Vertical_ID=23&tier=10&position=1