Tenth Case of Confirmed Animal Rabies in Guilford County (Health Alert)

July 8, 2010  |   Posted in Blog, Infectious Diseases   |   0 Comments   Tags: rabies

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is alerting residents that a fox found on Ladford Lane in High Point tested positive for the rabies virus.  The rabid fox had contact with one human.   This is the tenth case of animal rabies in Guilford County this year.

North Carolina law requires that all domestic pets (dogs, cats and ferrets) be vaccinated against rabies and that their vaccinations are kept current.  This law still applies even if pets are exclusively kept indoors.  Barnyard pets such as goats, horses and cows should also be vaccinated against rabies for their protection against this deadly virus.

Rabies continues to circulate within our wildlife population and as the weather warms more animals will be out and seen in our yards and surrounding wooded areas.   For your family and pet’s safety as well as the safety of others, vaccinate your pets against rabies.  Our next low-cost rabies vaccination clinic is Saturday, July 10 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Summerfield Fire Department, 7400 Summerfield Road in Summerfield.  Rabies vaccinations will be $5.00 per animal and will last for one year.  Other tips to protect your family and pets include:

* Do not try to separate fighting animals.

* Avoid strange and sick animals.

* Leave animals alone when they are eating.

* Keep pets on a leash when out in public.

* Do not approach, play with or try to rescue wild animals of any kind.

* Supervise your pets when outdoors to avoid contact with wild animals.

* Do not feed your pets outdoors.  Leftover food will attract wild animals.

For more information or educational programs available, please contact the Guilford County Animal Control at 641-5990 or visit www.guilfordhealth.org