This is a message from a member of the local maintenance group in VA (PATH).
Although it is not confirmed, I think folks should be informed in any case.
Folks we have long known rabies to be endemic in Smyth and Bland Counties
and I annually remind PATHiers to be aware of symptoms in wildlife and avoid
exposure. Now, however there is a new twist. Past lab confirmed cases in the
area have been in cattle (slightly unusual) and mostly in raccoons and
skunks which along with foxes are common vectors.
An elderly woman living near the Trail on VA42 was reportedly attacked and
repeatedly bitten by a "rabid" groundhog in her residential yard, unable to
ambulate well enough to escape harm. This is of interest because lagomorphs
- rabbits, hares, groundhog, ferrets (I think, ask Amy) - are not generally
thought to carry rabies. Groundhogs cannot open their jaws wide enough to
take a real bite and are generally very shy and an attack by one is most odd.
In recent years I have encountered lethargic groundhogs in two cemeteries
near the Trail.
I am attempting to determine if VA Health has been involved and
particularly if lab confirmation is pending.
Please consider rabies when sighting any wildlife exhibiting any strange
behavior, but especially either lethargy or aggressive boldness and
excitability.