Cumberland County Animal Services reports a confirmed case of rabies in a raccoon in the 6200 block of Withers Drive in Fayetteville. A test conducted at the N.C. State Public Health Lab in Raleigh confirmed the animal was rabid. No people were reportedly exposed to the raccoon, but one dog with current rabies vaccinations was exposed to the animal.
The incident occurred Aug. 17 when a resident reported their dog was in a fight with a raccoon. The dog killed the raccoon and did not sustain injuries. Animal Services responded, retrieved the raccoon and sent it to the lab in Raleigh for testing.
All pet owners are urged to check the rabies vaccination status of their pets. If pets are not vaccinated or are due for a booster shot, they should be taken to a local veterinarian for rabies vaccination immediately.
Pet owners can bring their pet to Animal Services Wednesdays from 2 to 4 p.m. and get a 1-year rabies vaccination for $5. Animal Services is located at 4704 Corporation Dr., Fayetteville.
The first sign of rabies in animals is usually a change in behavior. Animals may become aggressive, attacking for no reason, or they may become very quiet. Wild animals can lose their fear of people and act tame. Rabid animals may walk in a circle, drag a leg, or fall over. Some cannot swallow so they are not able to eat or drink and often drool. Animals usually die within a week after first becoming ill.
Avoiding wild animals and keeping a safe distance from stray dogs and cats is the first step in preventing an animal bite. Any pet which appears to have been in a fight while outside should be handled with caution and seen by a veterinarian.
If you are bitten or scratched by an animal:
• Immediately wash the wound under running water for at least 10 minutes with lots of soap. Seek medical attention/advice.
• Call Cumberland County Animal Services at 910-321-6852, Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. For emergencies outside business hours, call Cumberland County Emergency Services at 910-323-1141 or call 911.
• Go to the emergency room.
It is also important to vaccinate pets for rabies and keep their shots current. Pet owners are reminded that state law requires that all dogs and cats be vaccinated against rabies. Pet owners are subject to a fine of $100 for each unvaccinated dog or cat. Pets must be vaccinated when they reach the age of four months.