Rabies alert issued in far north Raleigh

Wake County health officials issued a rabies alert Thursday for Raleigh residents near the intersection of Bay Horse Lane and Mt. Vernon Church Road. A rabid fox was found in the area May 10, officials said.

Posted 6:15 p.m. May 13, 2010 — Updated 6:28 p.m. May 13, 2010

RALEIGH, N.C. — Wake County health officials issued a rabies alert Thursday for Raleigh residents near the intersection of Bay Horse Lane and Mt. Vernon Church Road. A rabid fox was found in the area May 10, officials said.

Animal Control officers are concerned about possible exposure of unvaccinated animals, particularly pets, in the area. Anyone who sees an animal acting in an unusual manner is urged to call Wake County Animal Control at 919-856-6911.

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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