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Rabid Bats, Raccoon Found In Orange County

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CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Three animals recently tested positive for rabies in Orange County, according to Orange County Animal Services.
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    On Monday, someone found the bat in Umstead Park in Chapel Hill. Officials said there is no reason to believe anyone was exposed to rabies from the bat. However, the person who found the bat is asked to contact Animal Control at 919-245-2075 so that he can be referred to a communicable disease nurse with the county's health department.

    On Sunday, an animal control officer impounded a dead raccoon that was found in a yard in the area of Old North Carolina Highway 86 and New Hope Church Road. Four dogs were in the yard when the raccoon was discovered and all of the dogs received booster vaccinations.

    Another case involves a bat that was found in Mebane on Aug. 18. Officials said a resident walked outside into her yard with her dog and found a dead bat. The woman said she did not touch the bat and her dog received a booster vaccination the day after the bat was found.

    The incidents mark the 15th, 16th and 17th positive rabies tests for Orange County in 2006.

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