Last week Lincoln County Animal Services received a report from the state lab about a cat that was found in Lincoln County, and then subsequently sent for testing by Mecklenburg County, that tested positive for rabies.
Animal Control Officers have already visited residents in the area where the cat was found, to inform residents in the immediate vicinity. Lincoln County Animal Services would like to remind residents that rabies vaccination for dogs, cats, and ferrets over the age of 4 months is required by law. A current rabies vaccination is lifesaving for animals that are exposed to rabies, as state law requires unvaccinated animals that are exposed to rabies to be euthanized or quarantined for a period of 4 months. Ensuring that pets are currently vaccinated not only protects them, but helps to protect public health, and the health and safety of owners and the community.
To keep yourself safe, don’t approach or handle wildlife or sick animals. Signs of rabies can include abnormal amounts of aggression or friendliness, disorientation, lethargy, wobbliness, circling, and excessive salivation. If you see or come into contact with an 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.
If there are cats in your area in Lincoln County that may need to be spayed/neutered and vaccinated for rabies, please contact our Community Cat Coordinator at communitycats@lincolncounty.org to see if these cats may qualify for our free Cat Fix Project services.
Please call LCAS at 704-736-4125 for more information.