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Rabies has again become a fact of life in North Carolina since 1990, and in Moore County since 1995 when 16 positive cases were confirmed. In 2010, five positive tests were returned from the State Laboratory. However we answered calls concerning many more animals, which had not had contact with humans or domestic animals, and therefore did not qualify for testing were probably also rabid.
Both State and County law requires any dog or cat over the age of four months to be vaccinated against this disease.
Rabies is a disease, caused by a virus, that can infect all mammals, including humans. It is transmitted through contact with the saliva or nervous tissue of an infectious animal--usually through a bite. If an exposed person or animal is not treated quickly, the virus may infect the person or animal and may result in death.
Rabies is almost always fatal to animals and people once signs of disease appear. However, immediate treatment by a doctor after exposure, possibly including a post-exposure rabies vaccination, will prevent development of the disease.
If you have any reason to believe that there has been rabies contact, please immediately contact Animal Control at (910) 947-2858 or call 911 after hours.
For a wealth of information concerning rabies, go to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services link for Rabies @ http://www.epi.state.nc.us/epi/rabies.html
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