DURHAM, NC – The Department of Public Health was notified today that a dead raccoon found in Duke Gardens has tested positive for rabies.  Although there have not been any other reports of rabid animals in the area, citizens are warned to be cautious when in the Duke Gardens vicinity.

The Durham County Department of Public Health works with the Animal Services Division of the Durham County Sheriff’s Office and the Animal Protection Society of Durham to ensure state rabies laws are followed.

“If you encounter a wild animal that appears to be injured or is behaving abnormally, contact Durham County Animal Services immediately,” said Susan Thompson, RN, Communicable Disease Program Manager, Durham County Department of Public Health.  “Never approach a wild animal, and keep your pets away from wild animals, especially if your pet is not up-to-date with their rabies vaccination.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, rabies in humans is 100% preventable through prompt appropriate medical care if exposed.  Any warm-blooded mammal can get rabies, including humans! Rabies most often occurs in wildlife, especially in raccoons, bats, skunks, groundhogs, and foxes. Farm animals, dogs, cats, and ferrets can also become infected, so you should take measures to keep wild animals from entering houses, barns, and garages. Rabies is rarely found in squirrels, rabbits, gerbils, hamsters, opossums, chipmunks, rats, and other small rodents.

Remember these tips to prevent exposure to rabies through wild animals:

• Never approach, handle, or fee wild or stray animals
• Do not leave pets unattended or allow them to roam free
• If you see a wild animal that appears injured or in distress, do not approach or handle it.  If you see a wild animal that is behaving abnormally or is injured, notify Durham County Animal Services at 919-560-0900

For more information about rabies control, call 919.560.7896.  If you have questions about pet vaccinations, call 919-560-0900.  Visit http://www.dconc.gov/government/departments-f-z/public-health/rabies-prevention-and-control for more information about rabies.

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