Health officials urge residents to stay up-to-date on vaccinations for pets
BURLINGTON – The Alamance County Health Department received confirmation today of the county’s second and third cases of rabies for 2013 by the North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health. The first case of rabies was confirmed last week on February 5.
On February 8, a raccoon and a dog fought on Troendly Street in the northwestern part of Alamance County. On February 11, another raccoon attacked a dog on Bethel Methodist Church Road, also located in the northwestern part of the county. Both raccoons tested positive for rabies and both dogs involved in the altercations have been euthanized because their vaccinations were not current.
Environmental Health Specialists from the health department visited the northwestern part of the county today providing flyers to residents and businesses regarding the rabies cases and the importance of rabies vaccination among pets.
“North Carolina law requires current and up-to-date vaccination of pets against rabies,” says Environmental Health Director, Carl Carroll. “Rabies vaccination not only protects your pet but helps keep the people around that pet safe.”
There were six total rabies cases in Alamance County for 2012. In addition, there were a total of 432 rabies cases statewide in 2012.
If 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 animal.
For more information or questions about rabies control, vaccination requirements, or upcoming clinics, contact the health department’s Environmental Health office at (336) 570-6367.