Moore County Sheriff Ronnie Fields issued a news release of a confirmed case of rabies involving a raccoon in the Pinehurst area.
On Aug. 31, a Moore County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services Deputy responded to a residence on Magnolia Avenue at the request of the Pinehurst Police Department. Upon arrival, the deputy was advised that the homeowner’s dog had been bitten by a raccoon that was exhibiting suspicious behavior consistent with possible rabies.
The deputy captured the raccoon and transported it to Raleigh for testing. Testing confirmed the raccoon tested positive for rabies.
Fields urges Pinehurst residents to stay vigilant and take appropriate precautions to protect their pets. Residents should avoid approaching wildlife that appears sick, injured, unusually aggressive, disoriented, or otherwise behaves abnormally.
Anyone who observes an animal exhibiting suspicious behavior in the Pinehurst area is encouraged to contact Moore County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services at (910) 947-2858.
Residents are also reminded to ensure their pets’ rabies vaccinations are current.
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* Contributed article. Photo via Pexels.
