Rabies case confirmed in Henrico after incident involving 2 dogs, bat

A bat that interacted with two dogs in Henrico’s Near West End June 21 has tested positive for rabies, Henrico Police officials said Wednesday. It is the fifth confirmed case of rabies in the county in 2026.

Police were called to the 6600 block of West Franklin Street for a report of a potential rabies exposure involving the dogs and bat, which was captured and submitted to the state lab for testing.

Because there was potential contact between the dogs and the bat, the dogs will be quarantined on the owner’s property. There were no additional animal or human exposures reported, according to police.

Henrico Police Animal Protection Unit officials are reminding the public to keep their pets’ rabies vaccinations current to ensure their safety and the community.

Henrico County offers rabies vaccination clinics twice a year. The next clinic is set for Saturday, Oct. 17 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Western Henrico Government Center, 4301 East Parham Road. A previous clinic was held in March.

For details, call the Animal Protection Unit at (804) 727-8801 or visit henrico.gov/police/animal-protection-unit.

To report abnormal wildlife behavior and any possible rabies exposures to Henrico Police, call (804) 501-5000.