Second Rabies Case Confirmed in Skunk
Unvaccinated dog now under quarantine
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 28, 2010
BURLINGTON This afternoon, the North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health in Raleigh confirmed that a deceased skunk found at a residence on Mount Vernon Church Road tested positive for rabies. The residents dog is now under quarantine at a local veterinary office due to potential exposure to the skunk. This case marks Alamance Countys second rabies case for 2010 and the second this month.
This incident is a reminder of the importance of having pets vaccinated against rabies. The first rabies shot given is good for one year. Booster shots received thereafter are good for three years. However, many pet owners fail to keep the important booster up-to-date. This lapse could not only endanger the pet, if bitten by a rabid animal, but also any humans that may come into contact with the pet. State law requires that a dog or cat exposed to a rabid animal and is not vaccinated must either be euthanized or quarantined for six months at an approved animal control facility or veterinarian's office, at the owners expense.
Rabies is a fatal illness, for animals, as well as humans, said Carl Carroll, Environmental Health Director with the Alamance County Health Department. Pet owners must take the responsibility for keeping vaccinations up-to-date very seriously, Carroll concluded.
Beginning next week, several veterinary offices in Alamance County will host rabies vaccination clinics. Rabies shots for dogs and cats will be available for $5.00 per animal, from May 3 through May 8, at the following locations:
| Alamance Animal Emergency Hospital | 2643 Ramada Rd. Burlington, NC 27215 | (336) 228-7226 |
| Animal Hospital of Mebane | Mebane Ridge Marketplace 1935 NC Hwy 119 South Mebane, NC 27302 | (919) 304-1600 |
| Graham Animal Hospital | 851 South Main St. Graham, NC 27253 | (336) 228-1600 |
| Mebane Veterinary Hospital | 1938 Jones Dr. Mebane, NC 27302 | (919) 563-5006 |
| Tri-County Veterinary Service | 7716 NC Hwy 87 South Graham, NC 27253 | (336) 376-6838 |
Please contact the veterinary office for details and special hours for vaccination. An appointment may be needed.