According to a press release issued by the City of East Ridge, there was a case of rabies reported in the city.
On December 28, 2017, an adult male raccoon was found deceased on Prigmore Road in East Ridge. It was retrieved by East Ridge Animal Services and submitted to the USDA freezer at our location for rabies testing, as there was no human or domestic animal exposure. USDA tested the animal for rabies on January 23, 2018. It was submitted to the CDC for confirmation on January 24, 2018. The CDC confirmed rabies on January 24, 2018 and variant typed it to Raccoon Variant Rabies (RVR). This is the first RVR case we have had in Hamilton County since 2008.
The Hamilton County Department of Health has encouraged ERAS to continue doing as we have been doing for many years. If you see a raccoon, fox or coyote that looks sick or unwell, please contact the shelter at 423.664.0271 or non-emergency dispatch at 423.622.1725. Just as we have always done, we will remove sick or injured wildlife. All sick rabies vectors are provided to the USDA for testing.
The best protection for your family against the rabies virus is to never approach, attempt to capture or pet wildlife. Please ensure that your pets have current rabies vaccinations. If your dog, cat or ferret does not have a current rabies vaccination, please contact your veterinarian.
If you have further concerns or questions, you may contact East Ridge Animal Services at 423.664.0271 or the Environmental Health Department of the Hamilton County Health Department at 423.209.8000.
