In 1997, Virginia reported 681 rabies cases. A record 32 rabid cats were reported to have the disease.
Cats pose an increased danger because of their contact with humans.
Only two dogs were reported to have rabies in 1997. Twenty cases were raccoons. Two cats and fox also had the disease. No dogs were reported. Rabid raccoons, skunks, foxes and cats are the major contributors to the increase in rabies cases.