Reporter: Lauren Compton l Videographer: Daniel Heffner
Bedford, VA - Some recent rabies cases have put health officials on high alert. This month alone a woman in Amherst County was bitten by a rabid fox, and earlier this month a rabid skunk attacked a dog in Bedford.
According to the Virginia Department of Health database rabies cases are up in the state this year.
After the rabies attack in Bedford health officials are out educating the public on how to protect themselves.
Wiggles might not look like much of a guard dog, he's a Jack Russell Terrier and doesn't bark much. But, his owner a Bedford veterinarian says he went toe-to-toe with a rabid skunk.
After the tussle with his dog, Dr. Scott Noe says the skunk came towards him.
"The skunk just came walking straight towards me out from under its cover so I knew something wasn't right," said Dr. Noe, a veterinarian at the Bedford Animal Hospital.
Dr. Noe was able to kill the skunk and sent it to the health department. His dog Wiggles is back to enjoying tummy rubs now. Dr. Scott Noe says it's all because he was up to date on his rabies vaccine.
"After the initial primary shot the shots are good for three years," said Dr. Noe.
The skunk attack has sent health officials in Bedford to the streets, going door-to-door, warning residents about the up tick in rabies.
According to the Virginia Department of Health database there have been 330 positive rabies cases this year across the Commonwealth that's up from 286 last year. It's unclear why rabies cases have increased, but experts do have tips on how you can keep rabid animals away.
"Be really conscience about leaving your food dishes, food bowls out or water bowls out so that just attracts animals to their property," said, Bob Pratt an Environmental Specialist with the Bedford County Health Department.
Officials don't suggest being brave like Wiggles or Dr. Noe. If you see a wild animal acting strangely they say leave it to the pros.
"Call animal control or the health department. We'll try to get it and test it," said Pratt.
Animal control officials do say though while they don't recommend going after a rabid animal, certainly do anything you can to protect yourself should one attack.
Health experts say getting your pet vaccinated can also save you some heartbreak. In some cases unvaccinated pets who encounter rabid animals have to be put down.
Wiggles went toe-to-toe with a rabid skunk
