The Guilford County Department of Health is reporting the ninth confirmed case of animal rabies in 2019 yesterday.
The most recent case involved a fox found on Ashton Court in Greensboro.
Officials remind the public that North Carolina law requires that all domestic pets (cats, dogs and ferrets), whether living inside or outside, age four months or older be vaccinated. Even animals that are confined in outdoor fenced areas should have current rabies vaccinations, because wild animals can get into these areas and attack your pets.
They also offer the following tips:
Don’t buy or keep wild/exotic animals as pets. These animals cannot be vaccinated against rabies and can easily spread rabies to you or your family.
Avoid direct contact with wildlife, dead or alive. Do not approach, try to play with or rescue any wildlife. Never touch any wildlife with your bare hands. If you find a sick or injured animal, contact Animal Control at 336-641-5990 and let them handle it. Do not try to rescue or treat the animal yourself.
Avoid any animal displaying unnatural behavior. Wild animals are not usually friendly, so be very careful if they approach you.
Do not try to separate fighting animals.
Feed your pets indoors. Leaving food outside will attract dogs, cats or other wildlife and bring them into your yard.
Rabies: Every 10 minutes, someone in the US is treated for possible exposure
Animal-proof your trash. Make sure that your trash can lids are secure and don’t leave trash bags outside the cans.
Report all stray animals to Animal Control at 336-641-5990 in Greensboro or 336-883-32245 in High Point. Stray animals may not be vaccinated against rabies and run the risk of carrying rabies.
If a person is bitten by an animal (domestic or stray), they should wash the area immediately with soap and water, seek medical attention and report the bite to local Animal Control Officers.
Rabies in the US: Geography, wildlife, exposure and prevention
