Rabies Information: (Print this page for future reference)
The raccoon that just wandered into your yard from the neighboring woods sure looks cute, but it seems to be acting a bit peculiar. Beware!...it is easy to get drawn by a wild animal particularly if it looks like it is need of help; but the fact is that the chances are very good that it may be sick and rabies may very well be the cause. Practically every week the newspaper has accounts of residents or their pets in Fairfax County having an encounter with a rabid animal, most likely a raccoon, fox or skunk. These animals by their very nature avoid contact with humans so it is best to avoid them. The coming spring and summer months increase the chances of such meetings. Here are precautions to take courtesy of the Fairfax County Web Site:
* Admire nature from a distance. As the County has grown, wildlife habitat has become residential areas. Even healthy wildlife can become aggressive and attack either pets or humans during breeding, nesting and denning seasons.
* Parents should warn their children of the dangers of approaching wildlife of any kind and should take precautions to protect small children from any contact with wild animals. Make sure they are encouraged to report any potentially infectious contact they may have with animals.
* Be wary of any domestic or wild animals displaying unusual or suspect behavior. Report animals acting strangely or altercations between animals to the Fairfax County Department of Animal Control, 830-3310, 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. weekdays or 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends. After hours call 691-2131, TTY 204-2264.
* If bitten by a wild or stray animal or a pet that is acting strangely, wash the wound immediately and thoroughly with soap and water--preferably soaking the affected area for 10 minutes--and apply antiseptic, seek medical attention and report the incident to Animal Control, 830-3310, 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. weekdays or 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends. After hours call 691-2131, TTY 204-2264.
* If someone is bitten by a wild animal or any animal for which the owner is unknown, make a reasonable attempt to confine the animal. If confinement is not safely possible, try to watch the animal until the animal warden arrives. Notify the Department of Animal Control, 830-3310 immediately so the animal can be captured for necessary rabies tests. If after hours, contact the Public Safety Communications Center at 691-2131.
* Minimize contact between domestic and wild animals. Pet owners can take precautions such as having pets sleep indoors, walking pets on a leash and feeding cats and dogs inside.
* If a cat, dog or other mammal is bitten by or exposed to a potentially rabid animal, contact the Department of Animal Control, 830-3310, and the Health Department, 246-2433, for follow-up and information.
* Prevent contact with wild or stray animals by keeping trash in closed trash cans and sealing off openings into your house that might provide entry for wildlife, including open areas under decks and houses, chimneys and pet doors. Do not feed stray animals.
* Don't keep wild animals as pets. Even a baby skunk or raccoon born in captivity can be a rabies carrier.
* Last but not least but not least, have your pets inoculated against rabies. Both state law and County ordinance require that dogs and cats four months of age and older be inoculated. Inoculation against rabies is not a one-time shot. The vaccine must be administered every one or three years, depending on the vaccine used and the age of the animal. The Department of Animal Control conducts bi-monthly, reduced-cost rabies inoculation clinics for dogs, cats and ferrets. For more information, call the Animal Shelter at 830-1100.
Mount Vernon Manor Park Update:
The following is an update from Gwen Loftus of the latest events that have taken place since the initial meeting with Fairfax County Park Authority, Mr. Nilson, Area 3 Manager. Any question or comments please contact Gwen at TRLGGL@aol.com
On December 3, 1997 Mr. Nilson responded to our request in writing. He outlined plans and time frames for park amenity maintenance and improvements. Some of them are as follows:
1. The tennis courts are being resurfaced and the fence repaired, work to be completed by 4-1-98.
2. Submit a request in July 98 to have the basketball courts asphalt resurfaced. Paint the current backboards.
3. Add picnic tables near playground equipment.
4. Picnic table secured by underground cable, add to picnic area by 2/27/98.
5. Install asphalt path to entrance on McNair Drive to improve pedestrian access.
6. Submit a purchase request by 12-19-97 to repair deteriorating concrete sections.
7. The open turf area between the tennis court and playground will be broadcast seeded with tall fescue by 3-27-98 in preparation for spring growing season.
Mr. Nilson was very helpful in addressing some of our concerns, however due to budget constraints he was unable to recommend solutions for the security lighting and new playground equipment.
On March 24, 1998 , Gwen Loftus and Rick Gamble attended a public meeting held at Walt Whitman Elementary school, sponsored by the FCPA, to hear from various groups concerning there needs in their communities. Mrs. Loftus spoke for a time limit of five minutes to a board of about 20 members. She felt is was a very positive meeting and hopes with board will seriously consider our concerns. We specifically requested new playground equipment and security lighting. Mr. Gerry Highland was in attendance at that meeting as well. Mrs. Loftus received a request from him asking a cost estimated be submitted on improvements needed for the park. She is now working on that estimated. Anyone seeing any vandalism, excessive loitering should contact Office Kellly, at Mount Vernon District Police.
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