NEWTON, NC — On Tuesday, Catawba County Animal Services confirmed the county’s eleventh case of rabies so far this year.
Officials say a skunk was captured on Saturday, October 6th after coming in contact with a resident’s dog. The skunk then tested positive at the North Carolina Public Health Laboratory in Raleigh.
Officials in Catawba County were notified of the results on Tuesday.
“The number of confirmed rabies cases varies from year to year based on how many incidents of rabies exposure occur,” said Mark Pettit, Catawba County Assistant Emergency Services Director. “Higher case numbers do not indicate a rise in the incidence of rabies in the wild animal population. Rabies is present year-round in wildlife, such as skunks, raccoons, foxes and bats. Exposure to rabid animals tends to increase in warmer months when animals and people are outdoors more often.”
Previous confirmed cases for 2018 were found in Maiden, Vale, Newton, Hickory, Sherrills Ford and Claremont.
Pet owners are advised to keep their animals up to date on rabies vaccinations, and contact Animal Services (828-464-7686) immediately if they suspect a rabid animal may have come in contact with their pet.
