Skunk confirmed positive for rabies in Davidson County
915 Greensboro Street • Lexington, NC 27292
(336) 242 • 2300 • www.co.davidson.nc.us/health
The Davidson County Health Department has received lab results confirming the second rabies case reported in Davidson County this year. Reports provided to the Davidson County Health Department describe that on February 16, a skunk was spotted chasing three domestic dogs, one of which was bitten by the skunk. The skunk was killed by the owner of the dogs, who then contacted Animal Control. The three domestic dogs were up-to-date with their rabies vaccines and will receive appropriate booster vaccinations. No direct human exposure to the animal has been indicated. This incident occurred in Lexington, near E US Hwy 64.
If you are a pet owner, North Carolina law requires that all domestic dogs, cats, and ferrets must be vaccinated against rabies by 4 months of age and kept current. If your vaccinated pet comes in contact with a wild animal, contact your veterinarian immediately, as a rabies booster vaccine for your pet may be needed. Never touch a dead wild animal with your bare hands. Rabies is 99.9% fatal in humans without postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) after direct contact.
If you see stray dogs, cats, or wildlife in your neighborhood, call Animal Control at 336-249-0131. If you have questions regarding your own exposure to any animal, please contact your healthcare provider to discuss your situation.
