Rabid raccoons found in Cumberland, Orange counties

Rabid raccoons were found in the last week in Orange and Cumberland counties, prompting health officials to remind residents to vaccinate their pets and be careful around wildlife.

Posted 7:53 p.m. Mar 25, 2014 — Updated 7:53 p.m. Mar 25, 2014

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — Rabid raccoons were found in the last week in Orange and Cumberland counties, prompting health officials to remind residents to vaccinate their pets and be careful around wildlife.

In Cumberland County, a resident found several stray dogs fighting with a raccoon on Troy Drive in east Fayetteville last week. Animal control officers picked up the raccoon, which tested positive for the rabies virus. The dogs were still on the loose Tuesday.

The raccoon was the second confirmed case of rabies this year in Cumberland County. The county Department of Public Health will hold low-cost rabies vaccination clinics on Tuesdays and Thursdays in April.

In Orange County, a raccoon found in the driveway of a house in Carborro last week is the sixth confirmed case of rabies this year. The household dog had contact with the raccoon, but the dog has a current rabies vaccination and will receive a booster shot, officials said.

Orange County also offers low-cost rabies clinics throughout the year.

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