The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has issued a warning following an incident involving a rabid cat in Hillsville. According to VDH reports, a feral, short-haired black cat attacked an individual in their yard near Groundhog Mountain Road and Willis Gap Road. The attack was unprovoked, and subsequent testing confirmed that the cat is positive for rabies.
Residents are advised that the Hillsville community has a significant population of stray cats, which should be considered high risk for rabies. Anyone who may have had recent contact with a suspicious cat in the area is urged to contact the Carroll County Health Department at (276) 730-3180. It is crucial to ensure that pets are up to date with their rabies vaccinations, and livestock owners are encouraged to vaccinate their animals as well.
Rabies is a fatal disease once symptoms appear, affecting all mammals, including humans. The primary mode of transmission is through bites, although contact with saliva or brain tissue from a rabid animal can also spread the virus through eyes, mucous membranes, or open wounds.
