News

Sugarloaf raccoon tests positive for rabies

By Lightning Reports, Published: May 17, 2016

A raccoon that came in contact with three pet dogs in the Sugarloaf Mountain Road area on Saturday has tested positive for the rabies virus, prompting a renewed warning to pet owners to keep their animals' vaccination up to date.
County officials received confirmation today from the North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health.
Officials with the Henderson County Sheriff’s Animal Enforcement Division and the Department of Public Health are urging residents to ensure their pet’s rabies vaccination is current and to contact a veterinarian immediately if their pet seems injured from an unknown cause, displays unusual behaviors or appears sick—even if the animal is current on its rabies vaccination.
This case occurred in the Sugarloaf Mountain Road area but it is possible that the raccoon may have had contact with other wild and domestic animals. All county residents should continue to be cautious to protect families, neighbors and pets – regardless of where in the county you live.
Rabies is a deadly viral disease affecting the central nervous system. Rabies can be prevented but not cured. A healthy animal or human can get rabies when bitten, licked or scratched by a sick animal.
Residents in the affected area who have questions may call the Public Health Communicable Disease Nurse at 828‐694‐6019.