BURLINGTON – The North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health in Raleigh has confirmed Alamance County’s second rabies case for the year.
On July 20, a fox attacked a man on Moran Street in Burlington. The individual contacted Burlington Animal Control to pick up the fox and the fox was sent to the State Laboratory of Public Health for rabies testing. On July 22, the State Laboratory of Public Health confirmed the fox to have rabies. Burlington Animal Control received a report of a small fox in the area a few days prior and had been monitoring the area. Residents in this area with outside pets should examine pets for any wounds that may have come from contact with this fox and notify animal control or the health department’s Environmental Health office at (336) 570-6367 if they have questions or concerns.
“It is North Carolina law that cats and dogs be vaccinated against rabies,” reminds Environmental Health Director, Carl Carroll. “Rabies vaccination protects not only your pet, but also helps to protect you and your family.” Burlington Adoption Center is holding a low-cost rabies vaccination clinic July 26 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Vaccinations will be $5.00 per pet and the center asks that cats be in carriers and dogs be on leashes.
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 animal
For more information or questions about rabies control and vaccinations requirements, contact the health department’s Environmental Health office at (336) 570-6367.