NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) – A rabid raccoon located near the Virginia Zoo in Norfolk tested positive for rabies.
According to the Norfolk Health District, the animal was found in a marshy area along the 3500 block of Granby Street on Dec. 29, right behind the zoo.
The ill raccoon was euthanized and sent to a lab in Richmond. Test results returned on Jan. 2 showed the animal was positive for rabies.
WAVY reached out to the Virginia Zoo to find out if any of its animals were known to be exposed to the rabid animal. According to lead veterinarian Dr. Mary Ceccolini, the raccoon did not come into contact with any person or animal on zoo property.
She added that after the raccoon was found near an inlet of the Lafayette River, veterinary staff was notified. Zoo staff are trained to recognize and report concerning signs of disease in their resident animals and local wildlife.
Dr. Ceccolini said all Zoo mammals are vaccinated against the rabies virus.