Rabid Raccoon Reported In Eastover

Press release from Cumberland County:

Apr 09, 2021

The State Public Health Lab in Raleigh confirmed this afternoon a case of rabies in the 1100 block of Jimree Avenue off Dunn Road in Eastover. On Wednesday, April 7, Animal Services impounded a deceased raccoon found in a backyard within Cumberland County. The resident arrived home from work and witnessed his dog playing with the deceased raccoon and immediately contacted Animal Services. Due to exposure to the dog, the raccoon was sent for testing and the dog impounded at the Animal Services facility. Since the dog had previously been a stray and had no history of rabies vaccination, state law required the dog be quarantined for four months at a veterinary hospital or euthanized.

This is the first case of rabies in the county since Jan. 1.

All pet owners are urged to check the vaccination status of their pets. If pets are not vaccinated or are due for a booster shot, they should be taken to a local veterinarian for rabies vaccination immediately.

The first sign of rabies in animals is a change in behavior. Animals may become aggressive, attacking for no reason, or they may become very quiet. Wild animals can lose their fear of people and act tame. Rabid animals may walk in a circle, drag a leg, or fall over. Some cannot swallow so they are not able to eat or drink and often drool. Animals usually die within a week after first becoming ill.

Avoiding wild animals and keeping your distance from stray dogs and cats is the first step in preventing an animal bite. Any pet, which appears to have been in a fight while outside, should be handled very cautiously and seen by a veterinarian.

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal:

• Immediately wash the wound under running water for at least 10 minutes with lots of soap.Seek medical attention/advice.
• Call Animal Control at 321-6852 Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.Call the Sheriff’s Office at 323-1500 after 5 p.m., weekends and holidays.
• Go to the emergency room.

It is also important to vaccinate your pets for rabies and keep their shots current. Pet owners are reminded that all dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies, as required by state law. Pet owners are subject to a fine of $100 for each unvaccinated dog or cat. Pets must be vaccinated when they reach the age of four months.

To learn more about the services Animal Services provides, visit their website at co.cumberland.nc.us/animal-services, call 910-321-6852 or visit their Facebook page.

This press release was produced by Cumberland County. The views expressed are the author's own.