Rabies Awareness

Rabies is a deadly viral disease that affects animals and people spread most commonly by skunks, raccoons, foxes, and bats. Over one thousand cases of rabies have been reported over the last three years in North Carolina alone. This disease is spread by saliva from an infected animal and attacks the brain and central nervous system of the animal or person. Almost all animals infected by the rabies virus ultimately die.

While the virus is of major concern in dogs, cats, and wildlife, rabies can also infect people. If a person is bitten by a rabid animal and does not seek treatment, the result is most likely death. A bite wound from an animal should be scrubbed vigorously, reported to Animal Control to capture the animal for rabies testing, and the person should seek medical attention. If the animal is found to be rabid, the person bitten will have to undergo a series of injections to avoid disease.

The public should be aware to never approach a raccoon, skunk, fox, or bat exhibiting unusual behavior. For example, raccoons are active usually at night and tend to shy away from people. If a raccoon is spotted in daylight and seems overly friendly or aggressive, the animal should be reported to animal control for possible capture.

In North Carolina, if a pet does not have a current rabies shot and is exposed to a rabid animal, the pet must be euthanized or quarantined for six months at the owners expense. State law requires that all dogs and cats over four months of age receive rabies shots. To avoid losing a pet that may have been exposed to rabies, the public is urged to have their pets vaccinated.

Teach your children about rabies.