Davidson County Well being Dept. confirms seventh case of rabies this 12 months
The Davidson County Well being Division has reported its seventh case of confirmed rabies this 12 months.
On Sept. 12, the well being division acquired lab outcomes from the State Lab of Public Well being confirming a optimistic rabies case in Denton.
The report indicated a resident in Denton sought look after an injured kitten they discovered on their property on Aug. 26. It’s believed the two-month-old kitten was from a litter of feral cats within the space. The animal was handled for accidents and was taken house by the resident. On Sept. 8, the kitten was introduced again to the veterinary clinic with a report of wierd conduct and adjustments in temperament.
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In keeping with the Well being Division, after analysis it was concluded that rabies was a possible reason for the conduct change and that diagnostic testing was essential. On Sept. 12, the report got here again optimistic for rabies. The reason for the preliminary damage to the kitten stays unknown.
All those that got here involved with this animal have been notified and have began remedy to forestall rabies. A discover will probably be mailed to these inside a one-mile radius of this incident to alert them to the potential risk of rabies of their space and indicators to look out for.
“This example is a stark reminder to all the time take precautions when you see stray or wild animals round your property or neighborhood, whatever the age of the animal. Don’t feed or deal with animals which can be unknown to you. Don’t contact stray or wild animals along with your naked arms, because the rabies virus is 99% deadly in people who don’t search quick post-exposure remedy” stated representatives from the Davidson County Well being Division in a written assertion.
North Carolina legislation requires that each one home canine, cats, and ferrets have to be vaccinated towards rabies by 4 months of age and saved present. If a pet is available in contact with a wild animal contact a veterinarian instantly.
The Davidson County Well being Division will host a rabies vaccination clinic on September 22 on the Davidson County Well being Division. The clinic will present vaccines from 6 p.m. to eight p.m. Animals have to be no less than 3 months of age to be eligible and vaccines will price $9 per animal.
Extra:Davidson County Well being Division confirms sixth rabies case in 4 months
The newest case of rabies in Davidson County was reported on Might 4, when a cow that been below quarantine orders since late March had examined optimistic. A calf in the identical pasture examined optimistic for rabies on March 29.
The primary confirmed rabies case was on Jan. 23 when a resident in Thomasville was bitten on the leg by a fox that had been beneath their house, which was later confirmed to have rabies.
On Feb. 16 in Lexington, the stays of a skunk examined optimistic after had it bit a canine, who was updated with its rabies vaccine.
The fourth confirmed rabies case was on April 11 within the Hedrick Grove space when one other skunk obtained into an outside canine pen and bit two home canine. Each canine had been present on their vaccinations. The proprietor of the canine was additionally referred for medical care.
On April 22, the fifth optimistic rabies case within the county this 12 months was confirmed in Thomasville. In keeping with stories given to the well being division, a goat started exhibiting uncommon and aggressive conduct after assumingly being bitten by a wild animal. The proprietor of the goat acknowledged these warning indicators and had the animal euthanized.
An announcement from the Davidson County Well being Division warned that wildlife, together with skunks, foxes, and racoons, are most energetic this time of 12 months. When you see stray animals or wildlife, contact Animal Management at (336) 242-0131.
