Davie County Health and Human Services - Division of Public Health and Davie County Animal Services has confirmed two positive rabies cases since late March of 2022. One case included a feral cat and another included a fox. The locations of the confirmed cases are the areas of Pudding Ridge Road in Mocksville, and Potts Road/In and Out Lane in Advance. There are known human exposures in the areas reported at this time and treatment is being administered. Exposure is defined as a bite and/or scratch. Another way to become exposed is by handling a rabid animal (with bare hands), and the saliva of the infected animal penetrates an open wound, or the eyes, nose or mouth.
Public Health and Animal Services personnel have contacted individuals associated with the rabid animals and want to advise residents in the vicinity of the situation and urge caution when dealing with unknown animals. Please contact the Davie County Health and Human Services - Division of Public Health at 336-753-6750 if you live in the exposure areas and you have, or know of anyone who might have had, any possible human or animal exposure.
Rabies is a viral disease that attacks the nervous system; it is predominantly seen in raccoons, bats, and skunks, as well as in dogs and cats (domestic animals). Animals with rabies may show a variety of signs, including fearfulness, aggression, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, staggering, paralysis and seizures. Aggressive behavior is common, but rabid animals may also be uncharacteristically affectionate. Horses and livestock with rabies also may exhibit depression, self mutilation, or increased sensitivity to light. Rabid wild animals may lose their natural fear of humans, and display unusual behavior. Although the most common signs of rabies are behavioral changes and unexplained paralysis, rabies should be considered in all cases of unexplained neurological disease. If an individual suspects an animal of rabies, you are urged to contact Davie County Animal Services at 336-751-0227.
Davie County residents are reminded that rabies has been established in North Carolina for many years, and that all wild or unknown animals should be avoided whenever possible since the possibility of exposure to rabies can occur anywhere and anytime. Pet owners should remember that the best way to protect themselves, their families, and their pets is to keep their pets and any other animals with which they come into routine contact up-to-date on rabies vaccination. Davie County Animal Services urges pet owners to take advantage of their rabies vaccination services available Tuesday - Friday from 9 am to 3 pm at the Animal Shelter. No appointment is necessary and all dogs, cats and ferrets over the age of 4 months should be vaccinated against rabies. The cost is $5 (cash/exact change only) and you do not need to be a Davie County resident to get the vaccines.
An update and public information session will be hosted on Tuesday, May 3 at noon, streamed live on the Animal Services Facebook page. Following the session, the online interview will remain available for replay and also open for posting questions. The link to the page can be accessed at https://www.facebook.com/DavieCountyAnimalShelter.
For additional information, please contact Davie County Health and Human Services - Division of Public Health (336-753-6750) or Davie County Animal Services (336-751-0227).
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