Chatham County cat has rabies; vaccination clinic scheduled

Bennett, N.C. — A family pet in Chatham County tested positive for rabies after biting three people, health officials said Monday.

The cat bit its owner, a veterinarian and a veterinarian's assistant last week. All three were receiving post-exposure treatment for rabies. The cat has since died.

The Animal Control Division of the Chatham County Public Health Department is sponsoring a low-cost rabies vaccination clinic to be held Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon at the Animal Control Shelter located off U.S. Highway 64, five miles west of Pittsboro. Cats should be in carriers and dogs on leashes, or they may be left in the vehicle.

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 the animal's physician or county health department immediately.

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 919-212-PETS (7387)
• In Cary, call 919-319-4517
• In Garner, call 919-772-8896
• In Holly Springs, call 919-557-9111
• In Raleigh, call 919-831-6311
• 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.