Press Release: The Davidson County Health Department reports a positive rabies case
The Davidson County Health Department received lab results on January 31, 2024, confirming a positive rabies case. This is the second positive result for 2024. A skunk fought with a stray dog and died from the injuries. The fight occurred in the yard of a personal residence. Due to the unknown status of the dog, animal control was contacted to take the dog to the shelter and recover the skunk carcass for testing. State lab results found that the skunk was positive for the rabies virus. This incident occurred on Belmont Rd in the Linwood community.
Reports submitted to the Health Department revealed that other animals were on the property, but the stray dog was the only animal with confirmed direct exposure to the skunk. Following the positive lab results the dog was euthanized. Unvaccinated outdoor cats on the property will be trapped and euthanized due to the high possibility of exposure. Keep in mind that the rabies virus is spread via the saliva of infected animals and can be transmitted by biting another animal or a person. If you suspect that your pet has come into contact with a potentially rabid animal whether through a bite or saliva, seek veterinary care immediately as even vaccinated animals may require a booster.
The rabies virus is 100% fatal to mammals that are not vaccinated against it. North Carolina law requires that all domestic cats, dogs, and ferrets receive the rabies vaccine by 4 months of age and be kept current. Currently, the Davidson County Animal Shelter is providing rabies vaccines at no cost to the public, while supplies last.
Vaccines are administered Monday through Friday from 11 AM to 4 PM and on Saturdays from 11 AM to 2 PM.
For more information about rabies prevention visit: https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/prevention/index.html.
