Dog Quarantined After Tangling with Rabid Groundhog in Great Falls

Fairfax County Police report that a dog has been quarantined after tangling with a groundhog that turned out to have rabies.

The incident took place in the 900 block of Welham Green Road in Great Falls on April 6. A report came in at about 1:11 p.m. 

An Animal Control Officer was called for a report of a groundhog fighting with a dog. The officer collected the dead groundhog, which subsequently tested positive for rabies. The dog was quarantined.

Here are some rabies prevention tips from Fairfax County:

Reduce your risk of exposure to the rabies virus

• Vaccinate your pets against rabies and keep inoculations current.
• State law and County ordinance require dogs and cats four months of age and older to be inoculated.
• Vaccine must be administered every one to three years, depending on the type used and the age of the animal.
• The Animal Services Division holds low-cost rabies clinics for dogs and cats throughout the year. For more information on this, call the Animal Shelter at 703-830-1100.
• Warn children to keep away from wildlife and encourage them to report any physical contact with animals.
• Minimize contact between pets and wildlife, especially at night. Walk pets on a leash. Feed cats and dogs inside.
• Eliminate possible sources of food for wildlife from your yard and keep trash can lids tightly closed.
• Do not keep wild animals as pets. Even baby skunks and raccoons can carry the rabies virus.