Orange County Concerned About Rise In Rabies Cases

Orange County animal control officers said they've seen eight rabid raccoons in the past two months.

That's twice as many as they had all of last year, they said.

In some cases, raccoons have attacked dogs. That has some pet owners worried.

"That's a pretty significant increase," Mark Solomon, an Orange County resident, said. "So now that I know that I think I'll probably just keep a better eye on my dog."

Health experts said all pets should be vaccinated and kept indoors at night.

They also advise people to take steps to keep raccoons away from their property. For example, home-owners should keep garbage cans away from their house, and garbage cans should have a closed lid on them.

Orange County plans to hold a rabies clinic next weekend in Hillsborough.