The State Laboratory notified Caldwell County Animal Control that a racoon submitted for testing and was infected with the rabies virus. The racoon was found off the Connelly Springs Road in the Fairway Acres subdivision.
Animal Control will hold a Rabies Vaccination Clinic on Saturday, October 23, from 1-4 p.m. at the Health and Human Services Building in Lenoir. One- and three-year vaccinations will be offered for a cost of $7 per vaccination.
People can protect themselves and their pets from rabies by taking a few simple precautions:
· Make sure all your companion animals are up to date on their rabies vaccinations. They should always wear their license tags.
· Supervise your pets to prevent exposure.
· If a bat is found inside your home, you should contact Animal Control.
· If your animal is exposed to a potentially rabid animal wear gloves to protect yourself from the infectious saliva that may be on your animal’s coat.
· Teach your children to stay away from wild animals, including bats or animals they don’t know.
· Avoid attracting wildlife to your home by removing food sources such as food scraps and removing cat and dog food at night.
If there are any questions concerning rabies and/or receiving a rabies vaccination, please contact the Animal Control Division of the Caldwell County Health Department at 829 Fairview Drive SW, Lenoir, NC 28645 or call 828-757-8625. If there is an emergency situation outside the normal working hours of 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday, please notify the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office at 828-758-2324.
