NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 2, 2000

FIRST CASE OF RABIES IN 2 YEARS REPORTED IN CARY

CARY, NC – Exactly two years to the day from its last reported case, Town of Cary Animal Control officials confirm that this year’s fist case of rabies has been reported in Cary. The incident occurred on Thursday, July 27^th when a puppy brought a dead bat to its owners on Chatburn Circle in Preston. The bat was tested in Raleigh, and the Town was notified yesterday that it was infected with the rabies virus.

The Chatburn puppy had not yet reached the four-month old vaccination requirement and there was no bite involved, so no action is being taken by Animal Control against the puppy, which is today being vaccinated by the family’s veterinarian. State law requires all cats & dogs 4 months & older be vaccinated against rabies and that they display their vaccination tags at all times. For dogs & cats that were previously vaccinated, subsequent vaccinations are good for three (3) years, but proof of vaccination must be able to be shown.

"It is so important that citizens guard against this disease," said Officer Shelly Davis of the Cary Police Department’s Animal Control Division.

Pet owners should use caution when dealing with any pet that may have been harmed by a suspicious animal. Wear gloves and other protective clothing when helping your injured pet, and stay away from any bodily fluids, especially saliva. As always, avoid any wild animal and 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.

###