Moore County health officials are warning residents about a confirmed rabies case involving a stray puppy found in the Lamm’s Grove area of Cameron around Oct. 19.
The Moore County Health Department, Moore County Sheriff’s Office, and Moore County Animal Services issued a press release warning residents about the incident.
The black and tan puppy, estimated to be 6 to 10 weeks old, tested positive for rabies Oct. 27. It was reportedly found with a white and tan littermate.
Now, officials are asking anyone who may have been bitten, scratched, or exposed to the puppy’s saliva through an open wound or the eyes, nose, or mouth between Oct. 12 and Oct. 27 to seek “prompt medical evaluation.”
The puppy is the fourth confirmed rabies case in Moore County since Sept. 1. The other cases involved two raccoons and a bat.
Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms develop. Anyone who may have been exposed should contact a health care provider or visit an emergency department for evaluation. Moore County residents can also call the Moore County Health Department at 910-947-3300 and ask for the Communicable Disease Nurse.
Health Director Matt Garner urged residents to make sure their pets are vaccinated against rabies. North Carolina law requires dogs, cats, and ferrets 4 months or older to be vaccinated.
“Recent incidents in Moore County are an important reminder that rabies is still present in our community and that the risk to our pets and families is very real,” said Garner. “Vaccinating your pets is one of the simplest and most effective steps you can take to protect them and the people around them. When an unvaccinated pet is exposed to a rabid animal, the consequences can be serious, including lengthy quarantine requirements or even euthanasia. We strongly encourage every pet owner to take a few minutes to verify their animals are up to date on their rabies vaccinations.”
Officials also cautioned residents against approaching or handling unfamiliar animals. Anyone whose pet has encountered a potentially rabid animal should contact Moore County Animal Services.
Where to get rabies vaccinations
Moore County Animal Services offers rabies vaccinations at its facility at 5235 U.S. 15-501 in Carthage for $10 per animal. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. The vaccinations are valid for one year.
A low-cost rabies clinic and adoption event is also scheduled for Nov. 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Barn Door Consignments, 10327 N.C. 211 in Aberdeen. Rabies vaccinations will cost $5 per animal, cash only. The event will also include pet adoptions and discounts on select cat and dog supplies.
Pet owners are encouraged to check vaccination records, keep pets under control outdoors, and avoid contact with wildlife. Anyone bitten or scratched by an animal suspected of having rabies should wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical attention.
“Our Animal Services personnel and deputies regularly respond to situations involving stray animals and potentially rabid wildlife,” said Moore County Sheriff Ronnie Fields. “We understand that people want to help an animal that appears lost or abandoned, especially a puppy, but we encourage residents to use caution and contact Animal Services rather than attempting to handle unfamiliar animals themselves. These recent cases reinforce the importance of protecting our pets, our families, and the community through vaccination and responsible animal ownership.”
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Feature photo by Sandhills Sentinel reporter Daniel Gwyn.
Abegail Murphy | Assistant Editor
Written by Sandhills Sentinel assistant editor Abegail Murphy. Abegail has been writing for Sandhills Sentinel since 2021.
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