First case of rabies confirmed in Brunswick County

The first confirmed positive case of rabies in Brunswick County for 2010 occurred on Monday, March 1, 2010. A German Sheppard mix from the Stanley Road area in Supply was in his own yard, fought and killed a raccoon. The raccoon was shipped Tuesday to the State Lab for testing. The results came back positive on Wednesday.

The dog was not current on its rabies vaccination and was humanely euthanized. If the owner had wanted, the dog could have been boarded at a veterinarian for 6 months at the owner’s expense. If the dog had been current on its vaccine it would have only required a booster shot.

To avoid exposure to rabies, the public is cautioned to do 3 things:
1. Make sure all pet (cats and dogs) have been vaccinated and keep the vaccinations current,
2. Do not harbor or feed stray dogs and cats. This provides a possible means of transmission of the rabies virus from wildlife (raccoons and foxes, etc.) to human beings and,
3. Report and seek treatment for all animal bites (legally required).

Brunswick Animal Services is sponsoring a Rabies Clinic at local veterinarians on April 10, 2010 with a reduced cost of $6 for the vaccine. All dog and cat owners are encouraged to attend.

For questions and assistance contact the Brunswick County Animal Services at 754-8204.

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