Health Department Confirms Fifth Rabies Case
Unvaccinated dog attacked by raccoon
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 26, 2010
BURLINGTON The North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health in Raleigh has confirmed Alamance Countys fifth rabies for the year. Earlier this week, a dog was attacked by a raccoon at a residence on Mount Hermon-Rock Creek Road in Snow Camp. This is in the same area where the countys fourth case was confirmed on August 17. The dog will be turned over to the Alamance County Sherriffs Office animal control division for euthanization.
As with all previous cases this year, the dog did not have an up-to-date rabies vaccine. I am deeply concerned over this disturbing trend, said Barry Bass, health director for Alamance County. In order to avert the potential transmission of rabies between animals and humans, I cannot emphasis enough, it is imperative that owners keep their pets up-to-date on their vaccinations. As a matter of protecting the publics health, folks must be more conscientious in getting their animals vaccine against rabies, Bass concluded.
Low cost rabies vaccination clinics are held at various locations in Alamance County throughout the year. The next community rabies clinic will be held on Saturday, September 25, from 9:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M, at the Burlington Pet Adoption Center, located at 221 Stone Quarry Road in Haw River. The cost is $5.00 per animal.
For more information regarding low-cost rabies vaccination providers or questions about the laws regarding rabies vaccination for animals, please contact the Alamance County Health Departments Environmental Health division at (336) 570-6367.