Goat tests positive for rabies in Efland

Orange County Animal Services said Thursday that a black and white Lamancha goat tested positive for rabies – the first reported case this year.

A veterinarian euthanized the animal after a resident in Efland, near Brookhollow Road and Bane Road, noticed the animal behaving strangely earlier this week.

Results Wednesday from the North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health confirmed the animal tested positive for the disease.

A second goat is being held in quarantine, officials said.

Although it's rare that a goat would bite and spread the disease, the Orange County Health Department wants anyone who might have had contact recently with the animal to call 919-245-2343.

Last year, according to Animal Services, the county had 12 reported cases of rabies. The last reported case was in Efland in November.

A low-cost rabies vaccination clinic for pets will be held Saturday, Jan. 26 from 9 a.m. until noon at the Animal Services Center, 1601 Eubanks Road in Chapel Hill.