NEWS RELEASE


For Immediate Release Date: 07/11/11

Contact: Dawn Dudley Phone: (919) 560-0008/Fax: (919) 560-0020

E-mail: ddudley@durhamcountync.gov





Rabid Raccoon Found in Northern Durham

Northern Durham Residents Warned That Other Animals Could Be Affected.



Durham, NC – Late last week, Durham County Animal Control officials confirmed that a rabid raccoon found in Northern Durham County tested positive for rabies. The animal was located in the area of Falkirk Drive in the Heather Glenn subdivision.



The raccoon was killed by domestic dogs and submitted for rabies testing. While the animal has been removed from the community, officials from the Durham County Animal Control Office warn the public that rabies remains a present risk in the territorial boundaries of the County, particularly wildlife.



“Residents in Northern Durham should look out for other rabid animals by being aware of strange animals and protecting their domestic animals from rabies,” says Melinda Duarte, field supervisor for Durham County Animal Control.



Since the positive test, Durham County Animal Control has canvassed the neighborhood where the rabid raccoon was found. Residents in the immediate area received flyers to increase community awareness and remind animal owners about the importance of the rabies vaccination.



Animal control advises residents to protect their animals by getting the vaccination. It is recommended that dogs and cats four months of age and older are vaccinated against rabies. Durham County Animal Control provides low cost rabies vaccinations at the office on Tuesdays and Thursdays for $10.00 per animal. No appointment is necessary and citizens can bring their animals between the hours of 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. and between the hours of 2-4 p.m.



Questions about the risk of rabies or wildlife in your area can be directed to the Animal Control Department at 919-560-0630 between the hours of 8:30a.m. and 5p.m., Monday through Friday.



For more information about the risk of rabies or wildlife in your area, contact the Animal Control Department at 919-560-0630, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5p.m., Monday through Friday.

About Rabies

Rabies has been confirmed and does exist in Durham County. Rabies can infect any warm-blooded mammal, but is most commonly seen in raccoons, bats, foxes and skunks. In North Carolina there have been confirmed cases in bats, bobcats, cats, dogs, cows, horses, foxes, beaver, skunk and groundhog. Rabies is very rarely seen in rodents, including squirrels and rarely in opossum and rabbits. All wild animals should be treated as if they are dangerous, no matter how cute they may appear. Keep children and pets away from all wild animals. Additional information about rabies can be found on the Durham County Animal Control website.