Did you know that Rabies is a fatal but preventable viral disease? That means it can spread to people and pets if they are bitten or scratched by a rabid animal. April is Rabies Awareness Month and as a Public Health Educator, felt it important that I share with you what I have learned. We probably all know in the United States, rabies is mostly found in wild animals like bats, raccoons, skunks and foxes.
So, in North Carolina, raccoons are the animals most commonly diagnosed with rabies; however, skunks, foxes and bats account for a significant number of diagnosed cases as well. What I didn’t know was the domestic animal most commonly infected with rabies is the cat, especially cats kept outside that may prey on wildlife that could be infected with rabies. Nor did I know in many other countries dogs still carry rabies, and most rabies deaths in people around the world are caused by dog bites. That’s why it is so important that we vaccinate our pets to prevent rabies.
In talking with our Animal Control Officers, Adam Liles and Marc Brown, I learned that Rabies can infect not only domestic pets but agricultural animals such as cows and horses too! Actually, all mammals are at risk. Adam also informed me that “while many people know that raccoons, foxes and unvaccinated dogs and cats may carry rabies, many do not know that bats can also transmit this deadly disease to people. And because bats are small and quiet, and their bites are usually painless, people don’t always realize when they have been bitten.” Well that’s scary! I also didn’t know that although only a few people die each year from rabies in the United States, rabies virus associated with bats accounts for a large percentage of those deaths.
Bites by bats may not be noticeable? Again, scary. Anytime a bat is found in a room with a sleeping person, a young child, or anyone that is not capable of positively excluding even incidental contact with the bat, the bat should be tested for rabies if possible. Adam went on to say “regardless, the person should contact their physician or health department to discuss the matter and the possible need for treatment to prevent rabies.”
Marc went on to inform me, “it’s important that people should be aware of the presence of rabid raccoons, foxes, skunks and bats in North Carolina and that we should avoid wild or unfamiliar animals. It’s Spring and nearly summertime, so I know there are many people getting outside to walk, play, hike on trails or just enjoy the outdoors. And this is why April is a good time to be informed and exercise caution when you see an unfamiliar animal in your surroundings or if your own pet is acting unusual. Educate your children as well.
In addition, Marc said that “if you are bitten or exposed, wash the wound immediately with warm, soapy water, call your medical provider as soon as possible, and call Scotland County Animal Control to capture the animal for testing.” Marc also reiterated that “Rabies is incurable and most always fatal once signs appear, any exposure to rabies should be acted upon quickly.”
Statistics dating back from 2014 to present show that Scotland County has been fortunate with only two positive rabies cases (fox and raccoon) in 2017. The most recent data for surrounding counties show the following information from animals actually tested in 2018: Scotland County – 0; Richmond County – 0; Hoke County 0; and Robeson County had one positive test. According to NC State Laboratory Public Health and NC Veterinary Public Health, sixty-five counties reported a total of 303 positive animal rabies cases in 2018 in North Carolina.
Did you also know that North Carolina Law states that it is the owner’s responsibility to vaccinate every dog and cat over four months of age against rabies and they must wear a collar with a vaccination tag at all times? It’s true. The law also specifies that rabies vaccination clinics be provided to local residents at least once per year. In addition, if your pet is not currently vaccinated and is bitten by an animal that is or might be rabid, animal control is required by law to either quarantine the pet for six months or euthanize it. That decision is made by the local Health Director.
In Scotland County, three local veterinary offices offer rabies vaccinations along with providing services in their respective offices during normal business hours as follows:
— Academy Animal Hospital (Brian Schillig, DVM) 11241 Andrew Jackson Highway, Laurinburg
Clinics will be held at the veterinarian’s office Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; and Saturday – 8:30 a.m. to noon – by Appointment ONLY. For additional information call 276-6068.
— Scotland Veterinary Hospital (M. M. Labib, DVM) 17860 US Hwy. 74, Laurinburg.
Clinic hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and 3 to 5 p.m. The office is closed on Saturday. For additional information call 276-4400.
— X-Way Animal Hospital (Olivia Guzman, DVM) 13041 X-Way Road, Laurinburg
Clinic hours are Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 3 to 5:30 p.m.; Friday 9 a.m. to noon and 3 to 5 p.m.; Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Please note: the office is closed every 1st and third Saturday. For additional information call 276-5300.
For information, contact Adam Liles or Marc Brown, Animal Control Officers, Scotland County Health Department at 277-2470, Ext. 4432 or Ext. 4450. You may also visit the N.C. Division of Public Health’s Rabies Website at: www.epi.state.nc.us and click on “Veterinary Public Health” or visit www.cdc.gov/rabies.
Kathie Cox is the public health educator/public information officer and healthy communities coordinator for Scotland County Health Department.
