The number of rabies cases in Moore County is rising.

The Moore County Sheriff’s Office said, “Positive rabies results are on track to surpass 2017’s total number in Moore and surrounding counties.”

There have been five positive results from wildlife so far this year, mostly foxes, with one recent positive result from a bobcat.  Last year, Moore County had two positive rabies cases.  The sheriff’s office said, “Cumberland and Lee Counties have had positive results on domestic animals though.”

To protect your pets against rabies, the sheriff’s office is urging to keep your pets up to date on their rabies’ vaccination.

“Cats, dogs, and ferrets can receive rabies vaccinations as early as 12 weeks of age; however, it is required by law to have a rabies vaccination after 16 weeks of age. Rabies shots are available in 1- or 3-year increments,” said the office.

The sheriff’s office recommends steps to take to reduce your risk and the risk of your pets to exposure:

~Do not approach, touch, or carry wildlife.

~Do not bring wildlife in to your home, even if it is a juvenile or infant. 

~In the event that you get bit by wildlife, seek immediate medical attention and report the bite to Moore County Sheriff’s Office.

 ~If your domestic pet is bitten by a wild animal, immediately report the bite to Moore County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services, especially if your pet is not current on rabies vaccinations. 

~If you witness wildlife acting strangely, but it HAS NOT come in to contact with humans, report it to the North Carolina Department of Wildlife at 1-866-318-2401.

~If there is a dead animal in the roadway, do not touch it. Contact the North Carolina Department of Transportation at 910-947-2233.

The Moore County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services offers 1-year rabies vaccines for $8.00.

Please call Animal Services at 910-947-2858 for vaccination questions.

 

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