6th Case of Rabies Found in Cumberland County

On Thursday morning, the State Public Health Lab in Raleigh confirmed the sixth case of rabies in Cumberland County for 2007.

A raccoon was brought in to the Animal Control facility from Buttermere Drive in the Cliffdale West Subdivision. Residents in the vicinity of Cliffdale West Subdivision and Beaver Run Subdivision are asked remain alert for sick or abnormal acting wildlife.

Cumberland County Animal Control officials will be in the vicinity to alert residents of the incident.

All pet owners are urged to check the vaccination status of their pets. If pets are not vaccinated or are due for a booster shot, they should be taken to any local veterinarian for rabies vaccinations immediately, officials said.

The first sign of rabies in animals is a change in behavior. Animals may become aggressive, attacking for no reason, or they may become very quiet. Wild animals can lose their fear of people and act tame. Rabid animals may walk in a circle, drag a leg, or fall over. Some cannot swallow so they are not able to eat or drink and often drool. Animals usually die within a week after first becoming ill.

Avoiding wild animals and keeping your distance from stray dogs and cats is the first step in preventing an animal bite. Any pet, which appears to have been in a fight while outside, should be handled very cautiously and seen by a veterinarian.