MAIDEN, NC — A raccoon found in the front yard of a Catawba County home has tested positive for rabies.
Officials say the home owner reported the raccoon to Catawba County Animal Services on Tuesday after his dog attacked the animal in his front yard.
On Thursday, Catawba County officials were informed by the NC Public Health Laboratory in Raleigh that the raccoon tested positive for rabies.
Animal Service officers say the dog was not up to date on its rabies vaccinations. The owner has been advised to provide a rabies booster shot, and keep the dog under observation for the next 45 days.
This is the first confirmed case of rabies in Catawba County for 2018.
