FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 13, 2025
Public Health Alert: Rabid Cat Confirmed in Charlottesville
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – The Blue Ridge Health District (BRHD), in coordination with the Charlottesville Police Department, is alerting the public about a confirmed case of rabies in a black cat found in the Charlottesville area.
On November 4, 2025, a black cat exhibiting aggressive behavior was reported along the Rivanna Trail near the Free Bridge (1400 block of Long Street) and in the vicinity of River Road and Belleview Avenue. The cat was captured and submitted for rabies testing, which returned positive results on the evening of November 12, 2025.
Anyone who may have had contact with a black cat in these areas - particularly if they were bitten, scratched, or exposed to the cat’s saliva - on November 3 or the morning of November 4 is urged to take immediate action. If you believe you were exposed, please contact the Charlottesville/Albemarle Health Department at 434-972-6219 as soon as possible to assess your risk and determine if post-exposure treatment is needed.
Rabies is a deadly disease that is 100% fatal in humans and animals once symptoms appear. However, it can be prevented if the proper treatment begins immediately after exposure. Take these steps to protect families and pets from exposure to rabies:
- Vaccinate your pets. Virginia law requires domestic animals to be vaccinated against rabies. Keep their vaccines up-to-date.
- Avoid contact with wild animals, such as raccoons, skunks, foxes, as well as stray cats and dogs.
- Do not feed or approach wild or stray animals. Feeding them can encourage them to stay near homes and increases the risk of exposure.
- Report stray or suspicious animals to your local animal control agency.
- Eliminate outdoor food sources around the home.
- Keep pets confined to your property or walk them on a leash.
For more information, visit the VDH Rabies Control page or contact the Charlottesville/Albemarle Health Department at 434-972-6219.
Media Contact
Kathryn Goodman
Director of Communications & Population Health
Blue Ridge Health District
434-270-4802
Kathryn.Goodman@vdh.virginia.gov