FACT: Since 1980, there have been 43 rabid cats

FACT: Since 1980, there have been 43 rabid cats and only six rabid dogs reported in Virginia.

FACT: An average of two people have required post-exposure treatment for each rabid cat (at an approximate cost of $500 per treatment).

FACT: One county in this district has reported more rabid cats than any other county in Virginia.

FACT: As of July 1, state law now requires domesticated cats be vaccinated for rabies.

You are creating a tremendous risk for your cat, other pets and your family if you fail to get your cat vaccinated for rabies, a Health Department spokesman said.

Prior to July 1, state law required that only dogs receive rabies vaccine. Approximately 55 Virginia localities had adopted a variety of ordinances with provisions that included cats.

Virginia is in the midst of a growing rabies epidemic in its wildlife population. There is only one way to prevent the disease from spreading to domesticated animals and that is to protect your pets, the Virginia Department of Health states.

The latest rabies outbreak in Virginia was detected in the raccoon population in the late 1970s. Cases were first noted on the VirginiaAVest Virginia border. It has continued to spread rapidly, to include the northern half of Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, northern Delaware and central Pennsylvania.

In Virginia, the outbreak continues to spread to the south and east. In 1987, eight new counties were added to the outbreak area.

In southwest Virginia, skunk rabies is an ongoing problem. That outbreak affects approximately six counties. Bat rabies occurs sporadically throughout the state and is not related to terrestrial animal outbreaks. There are occasional isolated cases in which animals contract rabies from bats.

Rabies is a viral disease that can affect any warm-blooded mammal. It is transmitted through saliva.