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How to protect your pets after rabies case reported in Caldwell County

This is the first confirmed rabies case in the county this year. Caldwell County had five confirmed rabies cases in 2022.

CALDWELL COUNTY, N.C. — Residents in Caldwell County are advised to be aware after a skunk in the area tested positive for rabies.

According to officials, the skunk was found on Taylor Circle in Granite Falls when it contacted a dog. The dog is up-to-date on its rabies vaccine and officials report this is the first confirmed rabies case in the county this year. Caldwell County had five confirmed rabies cases in 2022.

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Here is how you can protect your pets from rabies: 

  • 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 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 Care Enforcement at 180 Government Way, Lenoir, NC 28645 or call 828-572-4535.

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