SUFFOLK, Va. (WAVY) – The Suffolk Health Department says a skunk in Suffolk tested positive for rabies Wednesday after it fought a dog.

According to a press release, the incident happened in the Quaker Drive area. Officials say the dog was vaccinated against rabies and will receive a rabies booster as well as be under a 45-day confinement period as a precaution.

Acting Health Director of the Western Tidewater Health District, Dr. Nancy Welch, provided the following recommendation for Suffolk residents to take to protect their families and pets from rabies:

  • If your pet has been in contact with an animal that might be rabid, contact Suffolk Animal Control at (757) 514-7855 or the Suffolk Health Department at (757) 514-4751
  • Seek medical treatment promptly for any animal bite
  • Do not approach wild or stray animals, especially raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, cats, and dogs
  • Ensure all pets have current rabies vaccinations
  • Confine your pets to your property
  • Securely seal garbage containers and lids

For more information on rabies, contact the Suffolk Health Department at (757) 514-4751, Suffolk Animal Control at (757) 514-7855, or visit the Virginia Department of Health website.