Dead raccoon found in Cumberland neighborhood tests positive for rabies
A raccoon killed and buried by two dogs Sunday in a Spring Lake neighborhood tested positive for rabies, Cumberland County health officials said Tuesday.
Posted — UpdatedOfficials said the raccoon was buried in a neighborhood on Hunting Bay Drive. The owner of the dogs dug up the raccoon and contacted animal control for rabies testing.
Both dogs had current rabies vaccinations, officials said.
The positive test is the county's eighth in 2015. Officials urged all pet owners to check the vaccination status of their pets.
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, officials said.
If you are bitten or scratched by an animal:
- Immediately wash the wound under running water for at least 10 minutes with lots of soap. Seek medical attention/advice
- Call Animal Control at 321-6852 Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Call the Sheriff’s Office at 323-1500 after 5 p.m., weekends and holidays
- Go to the emergency room
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