Rabid raccoon caught in Parkton

Cumberland County animal control officers warned residents of a Parkton neighborhood to be on the lookout for unusual behavior in pets after a rabid raccoon was picked up on Brisson Road Tuesday.

Posted 8:34 p.m. Sep 22, 2009 — Updated 8:49 p.m. Sep 22, 2009

PARKTON, N.C. — Cumberland County animal control officers warned residents of a Parkton neighborhood to be on the lookout for unusual behavior in pets after a rabid raccoon was picked up on Brisson Road Tuesday.

There have been more than 150 cases of rabies reported 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 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 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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