Davidson County Health Department reports seventh case of rabies this year – Lexington Dispatch

The Davidson County Health Department has reported its seventh case of confirmed rabies this year. 
On Sept. 12, the health department received lab results from the State Lab of Public Health confirming a positive rabies case in Denton.  
The report indicated a resident in Denton sought care for an injured kitten they found on their property on Aug. 26. It is believed the two-month-old kitten was from a litter of feral cats in the area. The animal was treated for injuries and was taken home by the resident. On Sept. 8, the kitten was brought back to the veterinary clinic with a report of odd behavior and changes in temperament. 
Want to know more about what is happening in Davidson County? Support local journalism, subscribe to The Dispatch.
According to the Health Department, after evaluation it was concluded that rabies was a probable cause of the behavior change and that diagnostic testing was necessary. On Sept. 12, the report came back positive for rabies. The cause of the initial injury to the kitten remains unknown.  
All those who came in contact with this animal have been notified and have started treatment to prevent rabies. A notice will be mailed to those within a one-mile radius of this incident to alert them to the potential threat of rabies in their area and signs to look out for.  
“This situation is a stark reminder to always take precautions if you see stray or wild animals around your home or neighborhood, regardless of the age of the animal. Do not feed or handle animals that are unknown to you. Do not touch stray or wild animals with your bare hands, as the rabies virus is 99% fatal in humans who do not seek immediate post-exposure treatment” said representatives from the Davidson County Health Department in a written statement. 
North Carolina law requires that all domestic dogs, cats, and ferrets must be vaccinated against rabies by 4 months of age and kept current. If a pet comes in contact with a wild animal contact a veterinarian immediately. 
The Davidson County Health Department will host a rabies vaccination clinic on September 22 at the Davidson County Health Department. The clinic will provide vaccines from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Animals must be at least 3 months of age to be eligible and vaccines will cost $9 per animal. 
More:Davidson County Health Department confirms sixth rabies case in four months
The most recent case of rabies in Davidson County was reported on May 4, when a cow that been under quarantine orders since late March had tested positive. A calf in the same pasture tested positive for rabies on March 29. 
The first confirmed rabies case was on Jan. 23 when a resident in Thomasville was bitten on the leg by a fox that had been underneath their home, which was later confirmed to have rabies.      
On Feb. 16 in Lexington, the remains of a skunk tested positive after had it bit a dog, who was up to date with its rabies vaccine.  
The fourth confirmed rabies case was on April 11 in the Hedrick Grove area when another skunk got into an outdoor dog pen and bit two domestic dogs. Both dogs were current on their vaccinations. The owner of the dogs was also referred for medical care.  
On April 22, the fifth positive rabies case in the county this year was confirmed in Thomasville. According to reports given to the health department, a goat began showing unusual and aggressive behavior after assumingly being bitten by a wild animal. The owner of the goat recognized these warning signs and had the animal euthanized.  
A statement from the Davidson County Health Department warned that wildlife, including skunks, foxes, and racoons, are most active this time of year. If you see stray animals or wildlife, contact Animal Control at (336) 242-0131.   

source