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Rabid racoon caught in Hope Mills

A raccoon caught in the Decker Heights subdivision in Cumberland County has tested positive for rabies, state laboratory officials announced Thursday.

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HOPE MILLS, N.C. —  A raccoon caught in the Decker Heights subdivision in Cumberland County has tested positive for rabies, state laboratory officials announced Thursday. The animal was captured Wednesday on Pioneer Drive.

County animal control employees are alerting residents in the area to be cautions and to check that their pets' vaccinations are up-to-date.

Rabid raccoons are more common with nearly 150 cases statewide this year, officials said.

If you see a potentially rabid animal

Whenever a person is bitten or scratched by an unknown animal, they should thoroughly clean the wound with soap and warm water, and contact their physician or Wake County Community Health immediately. The phone number for Wake County Community Health is 919-250-4462; the after-hours number is 919-839-3059.

Animal control officials urge the following:

  • Avoid interactions with wildlife.
  • Be sure pets are current with rabies vaccinations.
  • Do not leave trash or food outside, unless it is in a trash can with a tight-fitting lid.
  • If a pet is fed outside, do not leave food out overnight.
  • Do not leave pets outdoors unattended.
  • If your pet comes in contact with wildlife, contact your veterinarian immediately.

To report animal complaints and stray animals:

  • In Wake County (except Cary, Garner, Holly Springs and Raleigh), call 212-PETS (7387)
  • In Cary, call 319-4517
  • In Garner, call 772-8896
  • In Holly Springs, call 557-9111
  • In Raleigh, call 831-6311
  • In Cumberland County, call 910-321-6852 Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Call the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office at 910-323-1500 after 5 p.m., weekends and holidays.
More information on rabies can be found online through the N.C. Division of Public Health.

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