Davidson County reports third confirmed rabies case of 2023

The Davidson County Health Department has been notified of an additional positive rabies case near the Silver Valley area of Davidson County. According to reports received by the Davidson County Health Department, a 7- month-old calf was euthanized on April 2, 2023, after showing signs of unusual behavior, significant weight loss, and increased salivation over several weeks. Laboratory results received on April 4, confirmed that the calf was  positive for the rabies virus. The calf had been isolated following the first signs of illness and the Department of  Agriculture is involved to determine quarantine requirements for other cows in the pasture. No human  exposure could be confirmed and in an abundance of caution the veterinarian and farmer have started postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) treatment. 

Rabies is 99.9% fatal in humans, do not touch an unknown or wild animal with your bare hands. Humans who  may have been exposed to rabies should immediately begin postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) treatment.  

The Davidson County Health Department will host a FREE rabies clinic on April 20, 2023. The clinic will take  place at Bethany United Methodist Church, located at 193 Bethany Rd, Lexington, from 6pm – 8pm. North  Carolina law requires all dogs, cats, and ferrets be vaccinated against rabies by 4 months of age and kept  current. Animals must be at least 3 months of age to be vaccinated against rabies. All humans and animals  must remain inside their vehicles at all times.  

For media inquiries related to the press release contact: janna.walker@davidsoncountync.gov.