Rabies case confirmed in Cumberland County
FAYETTEVILLE (WTVD) -- A raccoon picked by Animal Control in Cumberland County over the weekend has tested positive for rabies.
On Sunday, a woman called authorities to report that her two dogs had killed and buried the animal at their Hunting Bay Drive home in Spring Lake.
The woman said she, while wearing gloves, dug the raccoon up and was contacting Animal Control to have rabies testing done.
On Tuesday, the State Public Health Lab in Raleigh reported the raccoon tested positive results for rabies.
The two dogs had current rabies vaccinations and the owner was advised to get them booster vaccines.
It is the eighth case of rabies in the county this year. Animal Control officers are notifying residents in the area about the case.
All 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 a local veterinarian for rabies vaccination immediately.
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.
