Health Department reminds residents that rabies vaccines are required for pets

Following the confirmation of the first case of rabies in Davidson County earlier this month, the health department is reminding residents that domestic cats, dogs and ferrets, all of which are susceptible to the disease, must be vaccinated on an ongoing basis.

In the most recent case, a dog killed a rabid skunk inside the dog’s outdoor enclosure in Denton, near South Davidson High School. Once it was confirmed that the skunk was rabid, it was necessary to put the dog down as it was not vaccinated or protected against the virus. At the end of 2023 in December, a raccoon near I85 bit a dog in the face, but that dog was able to be treated because he had been vaccinated. That was the ninth rabies confirmation for Davidson County last year.

Fatality rates among animals who are exposed and not vaccinated are 99.9 percent. Among humans exposed, post exposure treatment is required to save life.

Wild animals such as raccoons, skunks, bats and foxes are susceptible to rabies (opossums are not). If you have a pet that comes in contact with a wild animal, it is best not to engage with the animal - call animal control for help and contact yourk veterinarian for assistance with your pet. NC law does require all animal bites, domestic or wild, be reported, and health officials encourage residents to refrain from feeding or handing wild or unfamiliar animals.

The health department states it is best to keep both cats and ferrets indoors and dogs should be supervised at all times.

Data shows that contact with infected bats in the leading cause of death from rabies in humans in the US, followed by exposure to rabid dogs when travelling internationally.

If you are bitten or scratched, was the wound immediately with soap and water, and if you are at all unsure of exposure, contact your healthcare provider immediately to discuss treatment. Rabies can be treated if addressed promptly with medical care.

Rabies is 100 percent preventable with vaccines and post-exposure treatment, and NC law requres that all domestic cats, dogs and ferrets receive the rabies vaccine by four months of age and that the vaccine be kept current.

The Davidson County Animal Shelter provides low-cost rabies vaccines Monday through Friday between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., and on Saturdays between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. No appointment is necessary.

For more information, visit https.//www.cdc.gov/rabies/prevention/index.html