Rabid raccoon found in Apex

Officials said the raccoon was found Friday near Winding Way and Friendship Road in Apex. The raccoon came in contact with a family and their pets. 

"We don't want to alarm residents in Apex, but they should be aware of these cases and of the potential for exposure to themselves, family members and their pets," said Sue Lynn Ledford, Community Health director for Wake County.

In this case, one of the family pets was not vaccinated for rabies. State law requires potentially rabid pets to be destroyed unless owners agree to support a six-month quarantine.

Residents are encouraged to avoid wild or strangely behaving animals and make sure their pets have current rabies vaccination. To report animal complaints and stray animals call 919-212-7387.