Ask Fairfax Officials About Rabies

Residents can ask questions on how to protect your pets, your family, and yourself from rabies this week. The discussion is part of Ask Fairfax!, an ongoing feature where residents can interact with county officials in a live chat.

Director of Animal Control Michael Lucas, and Dr. Peter Troell from the health department will be answering questions on the Ask Fairfax page starting at 1 p.m. on Wednesday.

Officials say that each year about 50 rabid animals are identified by the county, while many cases go unreported. So far in 2012, the public had encountered 16 rabid animals. Raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats are the animals most likely to be sick with rabies and unvaccinated pets that contact wildlife are at high risk of becoming infected.

Chats are scheduled periodically on a variety of topics. Read up on previous topics and transcripts.