CATAWBA COUNTY, N.C. -- Animal Services have confirmed a twelfth case of rabies for 2018.

  • Animal services responded to a call from a Claremont resident whose dogs had potential exposure to a dead raccoon
  • The raccoon tested positive for rabies
  • Those who encounter an animal with rabies, call 828-464-7686

On October 17, animal services responded to a call from a Claremont resident whose dogs had potential exposure to a dead raccoon in his backyard. The North Carolina Public Health Laboratory in Raleigh notified animal services that the raccoon tested positive for rabies. 

Because the dogs were current on their rabies vaccinations, animal services advised the owner to ensure the pets received a booster vaccine. State guidelines say animals current on their rabies vaccine should receive a rabies booster within 96 hours of possible exposure.

Signs that an animal may be infected with rabies include loss of appetite, irritability and unusual aggression, lack of fear and restlessness, dilated pupils, seizures, trembling and unsteadiness, difficulty swallowing, and drooling or foaming at the mouth.

Those who encounter an animal with any of these symptoms should avoid contact with the animal and report it to Catawba County Animal Services at 828-464-7686.