Prince Edward County officials reported that a Prince Edward resident was attacked by a bobcat on Sunday.

Officials were later notified Monday evening that a bobcat had been shot and killed Monday evening.

The bobcat was killed within half of a mile of the location where a resident had been attacked and injured by a bobcat Sunday.

The animal, according to officials, was seized by the Law Enforcement Division of the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.

The Prince Edward County Health Department will make arrangements for the animal to be tested for rabies by the state lab, the release from Prince Edward County cited.

“While the County is hopeful this may resolve the immediate public safety concerns, there is no certainty that we have the same animal,” said Wade Bartlett, County Administrator. “We urge the public to stay safe, remain cautious and enjoy wildlife only from an appropriate and respectful distance.”

The incident, according to an earlier news release from the county, occurred in the Stokes Road/ Meadowview Lane neighborhood, located south of the U.S. 460-Bypass and north of Hampden-Sydney College.

“It is rare for a bobcat to attack or engage directly with a human,” the release cited.

The release cited that there have been nine bobcat attacks on humans in Virginia since 2001.

“Of the bobcats involved in these incidences that were available for testing, all tested positive for rabies,” the release cited.

County officials could not provide additional information about the victim involved in the attack.

The bobcat involved in Sunday’s attack remains in the wild, according to the release, and residents in that area

of the County were encouraged to remain vigilant and supervise pets when they go outside.

Rabid animals typically showing these types of symptoms die within several hours to three days after an attack, according to the release.

Rabies, described by Prince Edward County health officials, is a “fatal, but preventable, disease that is carried by mammals and has been present in the wild animal population of Prince Edward County for many years.”

Citing the Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries, the release cited that the presence of a bobcat, fox, raccoon, skunk, or coyote on one’s property is not often a cause for alarm, as they are not predatory toward humans and usually pose no threat to pets.

Although rabies is a very serious disease, modern day treatment for rabies, according to the release, allows for post-exposure rabies shots that are 99.99 percent effective in preventing onset of the disease. The county also advocates for vaccines for companion pets that can prevent the contraction of rabies.

“I strongly urge every citizen of Prince Edward County to please have your companion animals vaccinated,” Adam Mumma, Chief Animal Control Officer for Prince Edward County, said in the release. “It is the law, but it will also save their life, if they come into contact with a rabid animal.”

Prince Edward County Animal Control is hosting rabies clinics on Saturday, Jan. 12, from 9-11 a.m. at the Prospect Volunteer Fire Department, and from noon-2 p.m. at the Rice Volunteer Fire Department. The County Treasurer’s Office will also be on-site and have county dog tags available for sale.

Every exposure of humans or pets to a potentially rabid animal should be immediately reported to the Virginia Department of Health by accessing www.vdh. virginia.gov.

For more information about rabies, consult the Virginia Department of Health website at http://www.vdh.virginia.gov or contact the Prince Edward County Health Department at (434) 392-8187.

WHAT TO DO ABOUT RABIES

Below are tips that residents can use to control the spread of rabies, and how best to respond if bitten:

Controlling rabies: Have your veterinarian vaccinate your dogs, cats, ferrets and selected livestock. Keep the vaccinations up-to-date.

If you or your pet is attacked or bitten by a wild animal, report it immediately to the local health department and animal control authorities. Be sure your vaccinated dog, cat or ferret receives appropriate booster vaccination.

Limit the possibility of exposure by keeping your animals on your property. Don’t let pets roam free.

Do not leave garbage, pet food or bird feed outside. It can attract wild or stray animals. Do not feed wildlife.

Enjoy wildlife from a distance, even if an animal seems friendly. A rabid animal sometimes acts tame. If you see an animal acting strangely, report it to your local animal control department and do not go near it.

If you are bitten: Don’t panic … but don’t ignore the bite either. Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and lots of water. Washing thoroughly will greatly lessen the chance of infection. Give first aid as you would for any wound.

If safe, try to identify the animal before it runs away. Do not attempt to capture, handle or pick up the animal. Contact Prince Edward County Animal Control through the Prince Edward County Sheriff’s Office.

It is critically important that you notify your local Health Department office and family doctor immediately. Explain how you got the bite. Determine if follow-up treatment is necessary.