Alamance Confirms First Rabies Case for 2010 in Rabid Raccoon
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 5, 2010
BURLINGTON -- Late this afternoon, the North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health in Raleigh confirmed Alamance County’s first case of rabies for 2010, in a raccoon.
On Thursday, April 1, a resident reported the raccoon fighting with a dog in the area of NC Highway 49 North and Hester Road, near the town of Green Level. The raccoon was shot by the owner of the dog. The Alamance County Sheriff’s Department Animal Control division responded to the scene and the raccoon was collected for laboratory testing.
According to Carl Carroll, Environmental Health Director with the Alamance County Health Department, the dog was euthanized after the raccoon was confirmed to have rabies because its vaccinations were not up-to-date. “We are concerned that this raccoon may also have exposed other pets that were outside in this area,” said Carroll. “If someone sees a wild animal, such as a raccoon exhibiting strange behavior, you should immediately call Animal Control.”
This unfortunate 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 owner’s expense.
“Rabies is a fatal illness, for animals, as well as humans. Pet owners must take the responsibility for keeping vaccinations up-to-date very seriously,” Carroll concluded.
In the event someone is bitten by an animal, they should immediately wash the wound with warm soap and water, seek medical attention, and contact Alamance County Animal Control at (336) 570-6302 or the Alamance County Health Department’s Environmental Health division at (336) 570-6367.
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