Rabid skunk killed by family dog is 4th rabies case in Orange County

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WTVD) -- The Orange County Animal Services has received its fourth positive case of rabies this year, officials said Thursday.

A Chapel Hill resident's dog fought with a skunk in her yard near Dairyland Road and Albert Road. The dog killed the skunk, which later tested positive for rabies by Animal Control.

The dog had a current rabies vaccination and was able to receive a booster shot within the required 96-hour window.

An unvaccinated animal must either be destroyed or quarantined for a period of up to four months. The dog's owner talked to a nurse, who evaluated her risk for rabies exposure.

Experts said they think the skunk contracted rabies from a raccoon. The County recorded a total of nine positive cases of rabies last year and six the year before.