ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Tuesday, January 21, 1997 TAG: 9701210081
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-5 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
This week is Rabies Awareness Week The need for rabies vaccinations may be increasing, says Dr. Jody Hershey, director of the New River Health District.
Virginia saw a record numberof cases in 1996: 29 rabid cats and five rabid dogs along with rabid raccoons, skunks and foxes. The total number of rabid animals in the state in 1996 increased by 143, to a total of 612.
Two of the cases were in the New River Valley - a rabid skunk and raccoon, both in Pulaski County.
Since 1990, there are been 95 cases of rabies in the valley: one dog, four cats, four cows, 32 skunks, 44 raccoons 5 foxes, one groundhog, two bats, and two sheep.
Rabies vaccinations are offered by area veterinary clinics.
LENGTH: Short : 24 linesby CNB