Posted on: June 30, 2017[ARCHIVED] Lincoln County has Third Confirmed Rabies Case of 2017
A raccoon killed by a Lincoln County resident and picked up by Animal Control has tested positive for rabies. The raccoon was picked up on June 24th, 2017. The official test results were received from the NC Laboratory of Public Health on June 28th, 2017.
Animal Control Officers have visited the area where the raccoon was picked up, to inform residents in the immediate vicinity. Lincoln County Animal Services would again like to remind residents that 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.
Please call LCAS at 704-736-4125 for more information
Press Release