FIRST CASE OF RABIES REPORTED THIS YEAR IN CARY

CARY , NC –Town of Cary Animal Control officials confirm that this year’s first case of rabies has been reported in Cary ; the last reported case of rabies in Cary was in July 2006. The incident occurred on Wednesday, November 7, when a man noticed his dog fighting a raccoon in his yard, located in the 300 block of Wyatts Pond Lane .  Cary Police were called to the scene by the owner on Wednesday and later transported the dead raccoon for testing at the State Laboratory of Public Health in Raleigh . The Town of Cary was notified today that the raccoon was infected with the rabies virus, and officials are in the process of notifying the dog owner about the raccoon’s diagnosis.  The dog has a valid rabies vaccination.

"As this case shows, it is very important that citizens take measures to guard their animals and themselves against this disease," said Officer Shelly Davis of the Cary Police Department’s Animal Control Division. 

Officers are distributing rabies alerts to homes near the location of the incident.  The flyers contain information on ways to guard against the disease. 

State law requires all cats and dogs four months and older be vaccinated against rabies and vaccination tags be displayed at all times. For dogs and cats that were previously vaccinated, subsequent vaccinations are good for three years, but proof of vaccination must be able to be shown.  The dog in this case was last vaccinated on May 14, 2007 .

Pet owners should always use caution when dealing with any pet that may have come in contact with a suspicious animal. Wear gloves and other protective clothing when helping injured pets, and stay away from any bodily fluids, especially saliva. As always, have all pets –cats, dogs, and horses – vaccinated against the disease. Seek help immediately if you or your pets are bitten by any animal, and notify officials as soon as possible.

If you suspect rabies, contact Cary Animal Control immediately at (919) 319-4517 or call your local veterinarian.

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