Rabid Raccoon Confirmed In South Charlotte: Animal Control

CHARLOTTE, NC — A raccoon with rabies was found in south Charlotte, not far from Charlotte Country Day School after it came in contact with two pet dogs, according to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Animal Care and Control. The confirmation marks the first animal to test positive in Mecklenburg County this year, officials said.

Residents in the Carmel Park Drive neighborhood in the 28226 zip code were notified of the rabid raccoon Tuesday evening by Mecklenburg County Health Department.

“Two domesticated dogs were exposed to the [raccoon]. Both dogs were current on its rabies vaccine and has been taken for rabies vaccination boosters within the 96-hour time frame. There were no human exposures,” CMPD’s animal control said in a statement.

CMPD AC&C said that anyone with questions regarding potential human exposures, should call 980-314-3214 or 980-314-3210.

In 2019, there were 16 animals confirmed to have rabies in Mecklenburg County:

• Skunks — 2, both in the 28031 zip code
• Raccoons — 8, in the 28227, 28210, 28270, 28104, 28277, 282105 zip codes
• Cats — 2, in the 28105, 28213 zip codes
• Bats — 2, in the 28078, 28202 zip codes
• Fox — 2, in the 28227, 28216 zip codes

CMPD AC&C said the rabies incident underscores the importance of keeping pet vaccinations up to date.

AC&C offers a free monthly rabies vaccination clinic for Mecklenburg County residents, on the second Saturday of every month. The clinic operations from 8 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the animal shelter at 8315 Byrum Drive in Charlotte. The clinic also offers microchipping for $10 and free pet identification tags.

You can find more information about the rabies vaccination clinic here.