Fourth Rabies Case of 2015 Confirmed in Alamance County

BURLINGTON – The North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health in Raleigh has confirmed Alamance County’s fourth rabies case for the year.

On October 28th, a skunk was found dead in a fenced-in area occupied by two dogs that were not current on rabies vaccinations. This occurred off of Rural View Road in southern Alamance County. Alamance County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control was called to pick up the skunk and it was sent to the State Laboratory of Public Health for rabies testing. On November 2nd, the State Lab confirmed the skunk to have rabies.

The dogs have been euthanized due to their potential exposure to the rabid skunk.

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.

“Rabies vaccination protects not only your pet, but also helps to protect you and your family”, according to Environmental Health Director, Carl Carroll. “Alamance County has had 139 animals test positive for rabies since 1997; five tested positive in 2014.”

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

For more information or questions about rabies control and vaccinations requirements, contact the health department’s Environmental Health office at (336) 570-6367.