Rabies confirmed in wildlife across four Virginia counties in early 2026

During Q1 2026, rabid wildlife was confirmed in Culpeper (one bat, one skunk), Fauquier (three raccoons, one skunk), Madison (one skunk) and Orange (one cat, one skunk) in Virginia's Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District; no human exposures were reported. Rabies is common in Virginia wildlife, and statewide rabies positives totaled 117 in the first quarter. Officials urge avoiding wild animals, keeping pets up to date on rabies vaccines, and reporting unusual animal behavior to local animal control.