LINCOLN COUNTY, NC — Lincoln County officials confirm a second case of rabies for 2017.
Early Thursday morning, officials say Lincoln County Animal Services were called to the area of Highway 73 and Club Drive in Stanley. Officials retrieved an injured fox from the area and sent it for rabies testing.
On Friday, the NC Laboratory of Public Health confirmed the fox had tested positive.
Officials say they are canvassing the area where the fox was found to alert residents who may have come in contact with the animal.
In a release Friday afternoon, Lincoln County Animal Services released the following information regarding vaccinations, symptoms, and what to do if you think you or a pet has been exposed:
Rabies vaccination for dogs, cats, and ferrets over the age of 4 months is required by law. If confirmed to be exposed to rabies and not currently vaccinated, or too young to be vaccinated, state law requires the animal be destroyed, or quarantined for a period of six months. A current rabies vaccination is absolutely lifesaving for animals that are exposed to rabies.
Ensuring that pets are currently vaccinated not only protects them, but helps to protect public health, and the health and safety of pet owners and the community. To keep yourself safe, don’t approach or handle wildlife. Signs of rabies in wild animals can include abnormal amounts of aggression or friendliness, disorientation, wobbliness, circling, and excessive salivation.
If you see or come into contact with a wild animal that may be sick, or is exhibiting signs of abnormal behavior, call Animal Services at (704) 736-4125, or dial 911 to report it.
Additional Information: 1 year rabies vaccinations for cats and dogs are available for $7 at Lincoln County Animal Services, 650 John Howell Memorial Drive, Lincolnton NC. Please visit us Monday-Friday, between the hours of 10am-5pm to have your pets vaccinated. Alternatively, 1 year and 3 year vaccines are also available through your local veterinarian. Our next rabies clinic will also be at West Lincoln Animal Hospital, on June 24th, 2017, from 12:00pm to 4:00pm.
Please call LCAS at 704-736-4125 for more information
