Dogs fight with raccoon, later diagnosed with rabies in Catawba Co. | Health

CATAWBA COUNTY - Catawba County's fourth confirmed case of rabies in 2012 has been recorded after two dogs got into a fight with a raccoon that later tested positive for the disease.

On April 12, 2012, City of Newton Animal Control officers were called when two dogs were observed fighting with the raccoon in the City of Newton. 

The raccoon was sent to the State Health Lab in Raleigh for testing. The State Lab notified Catawba County on April 16 that the raccoon had tested positive for rabies.

The dogs are currently in quarantine and Animal Services staff is working with the owners of the dogs with regard to the handling of the exposure. 

Two people were exposed to the dogs, but were not bitten by the raccoon.  They have been advised to notify their health care provider. 

Animal Services reminds pet owners that rabies is still present in the local wild animal population and is a threat to pets and humans, year-round.  The best way to protect your pets from rabies is to have them properly vaccinated for rabies.

The Catawba County Animal Shelter provides one year rabies vaccinations to pet owners year round, Monday through Friday between 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. 

A new set of Rabies Vaccination Clinics will be begin on Saturday, May 5, 2012, from 10 a.m. until 12 Noon at Banoak Elementary School, 7651 Highway 10 West, Vale.

For more information on rabies or rabies vaccinations, you may call Catawba County Animal Services at 828-464-7686.