LENOIR, N.C. — Caldwell County Animal Care Enforcement has confirmed the county's fourth case of rabies this year.
On Friday, Dec. 29, the county was informed by the North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health that a raccoon tested positive for the rabies virus.
The raccoon was submitted for testing after it was captured on Deerfield Street SE in Lenoir.
Officials urge people to protect themselves and their pets from rabies by taking the following precautions:
- Keep all pets up to date on rabies vaccinations and make sure they are wearing their license tags.
- Monitor and keep track of pets to help prevent exposure to potentially rabid animals.
- If a pet is exposed to rabies, wear gloves to prevent the spread of infectious saliva.
- Instruct children to avoid wild animals.
- Remove outside food scraps or outside pet food to avoid attracting wild animals.
People with questions or concerns about rabies or the rabies vaccination are encouraged to contact Caldwell County Animal Care Enforcement at 828-572-4535.
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