Rabid raccoon confirmed near Clarkton, health officials warn residents
CLARKTON, NC (WWAY) — The Bladen County Health Department is warning residents after a raccoon collected near Clarkton tested positive for rabies.
Health officials said the department was notified on May 18 that the raccoon had tested positive for the virus. According to officials, Animal Control officers recovered the deceased raccoon on May 14 near the intersection of Burney Ford Road and Meares Lane in the Clarkton area before sending the specimen for testing.
Rabies is typically transmitted through the bite of an infected animal or through exposure of open wounds or mucous membranes to infected saliva.
Officials are asking anyone who may have had contact with the raccoon or been exposed to potentially infectious saliva in late April or early May to contact a healthcare provider or the local health department for a rabies risk assessment.
Health officials stressed that rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms begin but is preventable if post-exposure treatment is administered quickly.
The health department is also reminding residents that vaccinating pets remains the most effective way to prevent rabies transmission. Under North Carolina law, all dogs, cats and ferrets are required to be vaccinated against rabies and wear a current rabies tag.
Officials noted that cats are the domestic animal most commonly identified with rabies in North Carolina.
If a vaccinated pet is exposed to rabies, officials say the animal should receive a booster vaccine. Pets not currently vaccinated may face euthanasia or a mandatory four-month quarantine under state law.
Residents are also encouraged to avoid contact with stray or feral animals and to never approach wildlife acting strangely. Raccoons are considered one of the primary carriers of rabies in North Carolina.
Anyone who observes unusual animal behavior is encouraged to contact Bladen County Animal Control. Residents seeking rabies exposure guidance can contact the Bladen County Health Department.
