Fourth rabies case reported in Orange County

Officials said a resident near N.C. Highway 15-501 and Bennett Road in Chapel Hill heard his dog barking and fighting with an animal at a nearby creek Monday. Moments later, his dog returned to the yard carrying a dead raccoon. Animal Control responded to the house and removed the raccoon for testing.

The dog had a current rabies vaccination and will receive a booster shot within five days, which is required by state law when an animal is exposed to the virus. The dog’s owner is being evaluated to determine whether he should be given treatment for possible exposure.

The county reported 12 rabies cases last year, and officials are encouraging residents to make sure pets are vaccinated.

“Prevention is the best measure for effective rabies control,” said Bob Marotto, director of Animal Services. “Ensuring cats, dogs and ferrets are current on their rabies vaccinations is one of the most important responsibilities of a pet owner, since it can quite literally be the difference between life and death.”

The county is holding a low-cost rabies vaccination clinic from 3 to 5 p.m. April at the Animal Services Center in Chapel Hill. Rabies vaccinations will be $10, and microchips will be $25.

For more information, call 919-942-7387.