Virginia has highest number of animal rabies cases in 25 years

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Virginia health officials say reported cases of animal rabies last year shot up to their highest number since 1982.
    According to a report out Monday from the Virginia Department of Health, 730 rabies cases were reported in animals in 2007.
    Most of the cases involved wild animals, with the highest number among raccoons, but the numbers also included 36 cats and five dogs. State health officials say most were strays and many were not properly vaccinated.
    State Health Commissioner Karen Remley points to the numbers as a reminder to get pets vaccinated for rabies and not to help a stray domestic animal or a sick, injured or wild animal.
    Virginia law requires all dogs and cats over the age of 4 months to be vaccinated against rabies.