October 9, 2026
Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov
Richmond City Health District Reports Rabies in Bat
RICHMOND, Va. — The Richmond City Health District (RCHD) is notifying Fairfield community members of a bat that has tested positive for rabies.
Richmond Animal Care & Control (RACC) was notified Sunday, Oct. 4 that a bat that was found inside a residence on N. 25th St. in Fairfield. The bat was collected by RACC and submitted for testing. Test results came back positive for rabies.
Anyone who has information regarding any exposure to this animal (bite, scratch, or contact with saliva by open wound or eyes, nose, or mouth) should contact the Richmond City Health District Environmental Health Office at 804-205-3912. Call 911 for medical emergencies. Exposures also include direct contact between your pet and the rabid animal. After hours, please contact Richmond Animal Care & Control at 804-646-5573.
The Richmond and Henrico Health Districts remind all residents to follow these rabies prevention guidelines:
- Do not feed stray animals.
- Avoid wild animals, especially raccoons, bats, foxes and skunks.
- Feed your pets indoors and do not let them wander.
- Make sure your pets are vaccinated against rabies, and their shots are up to date. By law, all dogs, cats and ferrets must be vaccinated against rabies.
- Teach children to avoid contact with wild animals and pets they are not familiar with.
- Do not handle sick, injured or dead animals.
- Keep wild animals out of homes by capping chimneys with screens and blocking openings in attics, cellars and porches.
- Ensure trash cans have tight fitting lids.
If you are bitten by a wild or stray animal, wash the wound(s) thoroughly with warm soapy water and contact animal control, your healthcare provider or the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts. See RHHD’s recent news release and the Virginia Department of Health Rabies Control web page for more information.
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