Second confirmed case of rabies in Cumberland County

On Thursday, the State Public Health Lab in Raleigh confirmed the second case of rabies in Cumberland County for 2009.

Posted 6:37 p.m. Apr 23, 2009 — Updated 6:37 p.m. Apr 23, 2009

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — On Thursday, the State Public Health Lab in Raleigh confirmed the second case of rabies in Cumberland County for 2009.

A raccoon was brought in to the Animal Control facility from Southview Circle in the New Warrenwood Subdivision. Residents in the vicinity of New Warrenwood Subdivision and Southview Circle Rosehill Road / Hillard Drive area are are asked remain alert for sick or abnormal acting wildlife.

Cumberland County Animal Services Officials will be in the vicinity to alert residents of the incident.

Pet owners are urged to check the vaccination status of their pets. If pets are not vaccinated or are due for a booster shot, they should be taken to any local veterinarian for rabies vaccinations immediately, officials said.

The first sign of rabies in animals is a change in behavior. Animals may become aggressive, attacking for no reason, or they may become very quiet. Wild animals can lose their fear of people and act tame. Rabid animals may walk in a circle, drag a leg, or fall over. Some cannot swallow so they are not able to eat or drink and often drool. Animals usually die within a week after first becoming ill.

Avoiding wild animals and keeping your distance from stray dogs and cats is the first step in preventing an animal bite. Any pet, which appears to have been in a fight while outside, should be handled very cautiously and seen by a veterinarian.

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal:

Immediately wash the wound with lots of soap and water. Seek medical attention/advice.
Call Animal Control at 910-321-6852 Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Call the Sheriff’s office at 910-323-1500 after 5 p.m., weekends and holidays.
Go to the emergency room.

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