Raccoon is Orange's 12th rabies case of '08
Published: Thu, Jul. 10, 2008 12:30AM
Modified Thu, Jul. 10, 2008 01:01AM
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closeMEBANE -- Orange County got its second confirmed case of rabies this week and its 12th case of the year.
On Sunday, a resident in the Nick's Road and Oak Grove Church Road area of Mebane found his dog fighting with a raccoon. He used a broom to separate the raccoon and dog and then killed the raccoon and stored it in a plastic bag. He later called Animal Control to remove the raccoon for testing.
The dog was vaccinated against rabies and was taken for a rabies booster within 72 hours, as state law requires. An unvaccinated cat or dog that comes in contact with a rabid animal must either be killed or quarantined for six months.
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The case has been referred to the Orange County Health Department. A nurse will work with residents to determine whether any member of the household could have been exposed to rabies.
The rabid raccoon follows a rabid skunk found Sunday in Hillsborough. Of the 12 cases in the county, nine have been raccoons, plus one bat, one skunk and one fox. Last year there were 19 cases, and in 2006 there were 27 cases.
If you suspect possible exposure to a rabid animal, call 911.
The Orange County Animal Services Department will hold $5 rabies clinics in August. For dates and times, go to www.co.orange.nc.us/animal services/rabies.asp.
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