BURLINGTON – On December 23, the North Carolina Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (NCVDL) in Raleigh confirmed Alamance County’s third case of rabies for the year.
On December 23, Alamance County Animal Control was notified of a dog bite involving three people on or around Hester Road in Burlington. After picking the dog up, Alamance County Animal Control surrendered the dog to Burlington Animal Services. Burlington Animal Services euthanized the dog for humane reasons, and sent the dog to NCVDL for testing; the dog was positive for rabies. Of the four other dogs involved in the incident, two were up-to-date on vaccinations; they received two vaccination boosters and are currently under a 45-day quarantine. The remaining two dogs were not up-to-date on vaccinations and are currently under strict quarantine; euthanasia may be required. There were also seven cases of human exposure to the dog. The health department is assisting the individuals with accessing post-exposure treatment.
If you live in this area and have outside pets, the Health Department encourages you to examine them for any wounds that may have come from contact with this dog and notify Alamance County Animal Control, 336-570-6302, or the Health Department’s Environmental Health office at (336) 570-6367 if you have questions or concerns.
It is North Carolina law that cats and dogs be vaccinated against rabies. The first vaccination should occur when the dog or cat is no more than 4 months of age; the second vaccination is required no more than a year later and then again every three years.
If you are bitten by any animal:
- Wash the wound with soap and running water for ten (10) minutes and seek medical attention immediately.
- Write down the location of the animal and a description of the animal to provide to animal control. If the animal is someone’s pet, also get the owner’s name and address. Give this information to animal control or the health department.
- Do not try to catch any wild or stray animal
Last year, Alamance County had seven confirmed animal cases of rabies.
For more information or questions about rabies control and vaccinations requirements, contact the Health Department’s Environmental Health office at (336) 570-6367.
