Bulldog Treated At Arlington Vet Was Not Rabid, CDC Test Shows

ARLINGTON, VA — Arlington County Public Health Division (ACPHD) sent out an alert saying a rabid bulldog was treated at an Arlington vet clinic, but it turns out the dog wasn't rabid after all.

Health officials believed a bulldog from Washington, DC that was seen at the Cherrydale Veterinary Clinic in Arlington County died of rabies, but the DC Department of Health says the dog was not actually rabid.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said the bulldog's results were negative for rabies, and he was not a risk to other animals he may have been around at the vet.

“Once the initial rabies test was positive, we had to act quickly to inform the public and to begin treatment of anyone exposed," a health official said in a statement. "Rabies, left untreated, is fatal. We are relieved that the CDC test confirmed that the bulldog, was not, in fact, rabid and that the public was not at risk.”

>> See Related: Rabid Dog Treated At Arlington Vet, Health Division Says

The dog was seen at the clinic on Saturday, July 8 between 10-11 a.m., and again on Friday, July 14 from 3-3:30 p.m.

Health officials ask those who started a rabies vaccination series to stop. It will not cause harm to stop the series.

Arlington residents who have questions should call (703) 228-5200 Option #1 and ask for the Nurse of the Day during business hours (Monday – Friday 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.) After hours call, (703) 228-5645 and leave a message with your name and phone number and your call will be returned within 2 hours.

District residents seeking information about rabies can email DOH at rabies.infrom@dc.gov or call 202-442-9143 during business hours.

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