The Gloucester County Health Department reported its first positive rabies case for 2013 recently, environmental health supervisor M.B. Sheppard Jr. said.

According to Sheppard, his department received notification from Gloucester Animal Control on March 29 of a dead raccoon found in a yard in Roanes to which three dogs may have exposed.

The raccoon was sent for testing at the state lab, and his department was notified of the positive rabies case on April 2, Sheppard said.

"Fortunately, all three dogs have current rabies vaccinations," he said. The dogs have been given booster shots and will undergo a 45-day observation period. "All pet owners are urged to keep their pets’ rabies vaccinations current," Sheppard said.

He added it is important to try to deter wild animals from roaming onto your property by not leaving pet food out as an attractor.

For more information, call the Gloucester Health Department at 693-6130 or visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/epi/rabies.a...