Fairfax County Animal Control Conducting Rabies Canvass

Fairfax County animal control officers will be conducting a rabies vaccination and dog licensing education campaign in several neighborhoods across Fairfax County this month.

Police targeted neighborhoods where animals tested positive for the rabies virus in 2011 or late 2010. So far, eight animals have tested positive and a total of 23 since October 2010. Statewide, 63 animals have tested positive for rabies throughout the first two months of 2011 compared to 32 for the same timeframe in 2010.

Officials typically are more concerned with rabies exposures in spring since there are more people (and pets) outdoors. Rabies is a deadly virus that is transferred through the central nervous system tissue or saliva of an infected animal.

Rabies vaccinations are mandatory in Fairfax County for all dogs and cats. The goal of the door-to-door campaign is to remind pet owners about the laws requiring all dogs and cats four months of age and older to be inoculated against rabies.

All dogs four months of age and older must also have a dog license; failure to license your dog or inoculate pets against rabies may result in fines of up to $250.

Residents should expect to see the roving officers beginning the weekend of March 26 through May 28.

Even if your pet is an “indoor” cat or dog, the threat of exposure to the rabies virus is real. Rabies is carried by wild animals that live in Fairfax County, including raccoons, foxes, skunks, bats and others. For more information, including a brochure “Wildlife, Your Pets and the Law”, visit http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/living/animals.