Durham County's first rabies test of 2014 confirmed

The testing came from the North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health and is the first known case of rabies in Durham County in 2014.

There were no confirmed rabies cases in Durham in 2012 and 12 confirmed in 2013.

The bat was captured at a home in the 6900 block of Calais Drive on June 19. No people or pets were in contact with the bat.

Sheriff Mike Andrews strongly encourages people to get their pets vaccinated against rabies.

“Durham County last year repealed its animal tax, and we’ve seen an increase in the number of people bringing in their pets for rabies vaccines as a result,” he said. “We know, however, there are still plenty of pets in the country that are not vaccinated, and that concerns me.”

Sheriff’s deputies have sent more than 40 animals – including cats, dogs, bats and raccoons -- for rabies testing in 2014.

The Sheriff’s Animal Services Division offers rabies vaccines every Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 3005 Glenn Road in Durham. No appointments are necessary but vaccines do require a photo ID and a payment of $10 in cash.