Rabies confirmed in raccoon found in Bladen County

BLADEN COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Health officials are warning residents after a raccoon found near the intersection of U.S. 710 North and Willard Tatum Road tested positive for rabies.

The Bladen County Health Department said Tuesday, Sept. 1, it was notified that the deceased raccoon had tested positive for the virus.

Animal control officers recovered the raccoon after a landowner found it in the area. The specimen was submitted for testing on Aug. 31 and tested positive on Sept. 1.

Health officials are asking anyone who may have been bitten by the raccoon or exposed to its saliva during late August to contact a health care provider or the Bladen County Health Department for a rabies risk assessment.

Rabies can be transmitted through the bite of an infected animal or when infectious material, such as saliva, comes into contact with an open wound or mucous membranes.

Rabies is fatal if left untreated, but it can be prevented following an exposure through timely post-exposure prophylaxis, or PEP.

Residents who believe they may have been exposed can contact the Bladen County Health Department at 910-862-6900.

Rabies prevention

Health officials recommend several steps to protect people and pets from rabies:

• Vaccinate pets. North Carolina law requires dogs, cats and ferrets to be kept current on rabies vaccinations and to wear a rabies tag. The health department said cats are the domestic animal most commonly identified with rabies.
• Take precautions if a pet is exposed. Pets that are currently vaccinated when exposed to rabies should receive a booster vaccination. Pets that are not current on their rabies vaccination may be euthanized or required to undergo a four-month quarantine under state law.
• Seek medical advice after a possible exposure. Anyone who believes they have been exposed should contact a health care provider or the local health department.
• Avoid stray and feral animals. Residents should not approach stray or feral dogs or cats. The health department recommends reporting feral cat colonies to Bladen County Animal Control.
• Do not approach wildlife. Raccoons and other wildlife can carry rabies, which occurs throughout North Carolina.

Anyone who sees an animal displaying unusual behavior should contact the Bladen County Animal Control Department at 910-862-6918.