Rabies Found in Raccoon 12/12/2007

A case of rabies in a raccoon found in the Windward Pointe subdivision has Holly Springs police reminding residents to ensure their pets' rabies vaccinations are up to date.

The raccoon came in contact with a cat last Friday on the 500 block of Cayman Avenue. The cat's vaccinations were up to date, and it has been quarantined for 10 days.

The cat's owner first notified Holly Springs Animal Control on Sunday when the raccoon reappeared, said Lt. Anthony Revels of the Holly Springs Police Department. An animal control officer retrieved the raccoon, which died, and it was sent for testing.

Rabies confirmation was received Monday, and Wake County Emergency Management sent automated telephone messages Tuesday evening to residents within a mile of where the raccoon was seen.

If you see any animal that appears to be sick, please notify Holly Springs Animal Control immediately at (919) 557-9111. Do not approach the animal. Symptoms of rabies include:

•  Craving to eat anything, including inedible objects
•  Constant growling and barking
•  Dilated pupils
•  Disorientation
•  Erratic behavior
•  Episodes of aggression
•  Facial expression showing anxiety and hyper alertness
•  Irritability
•  No fear of natural enemies (for example, a wild animal that is unafraid of people)
•  Restlessness
•  Roaming
•  Seizures
•  Trembling and lack of muscle coordination 

The law requires that dogs and cats be vaccinated against rabies at 4 months of age. The first vaccination is good for one year. Boosters thereafter are good for three years.

As proof of vaccination, veterinarians provide a small metal tag that pet owners must present upon request. It is wise for pet owners to attach this tag and an identification tag on pet collars in case the pet becomes separated from its owner.

Without proof of vaccination, the owner of a pet that has been exposed to a rabid animal could face having the pet euthanized or quarantined for six months at an approved facility. The costs of such a lengthy quarantine could exceed $2,500.

If you have questions about the rabies report, call the Holly Springs Police Department at (919) 552-7110.

Holly Springs Animal Control works seven days a week, 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. Rabies vaccination clinics are held in the spring and fall at a reduced cost to residents of Holly Springs.  For more information about animal control or for the date of the next rabies vaccination clinic, contact Lt. Anthony Revels at anthony.revels@hollyspringsnc.us.

The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services has detailed information about rabies.

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Town of Holly Springs - PO Box 8 - 128 South Main Street - Holly Springs, NC 27540 - (919) 552-6221 - Holly.Springs@hollyspringsnc.us