Alexander County Animal Services has confirmed that a skunk found on a property in the Hiddenite community has tested positive for rabies.
The skunk was submitted to the North Carolina State Laboratory for testing after it was suspected of exposing several cats. The property owner contacted Animal Services to report the incident and seek guidance.
Some of the cats involved had current rabies vaccinations. In accordance with the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians (NASPHV) guidelines, the owner was given the option to quarantine any unvaccinated cats at a veterinary facility for four months or proceed with humane euthanasia.
Additional cats on the property with a documented rabies vaccination history are being revaccinated as a precaution according to the NASPHV guidelines.
Residents are reminded NOT to assume rabies is absent from their area simply because no recent cases have been reported nearby. Rabies remains present in wildlife throughout the state, and precautions should always be taken to protect both people and pets.
All dogs, cats, and ferrets four months of age and older are required by North Carolina law to be vaccinated against rabies. Pet owners should keep the original rabies vaccination certificate provided by their veterinarian as proof of current vaccination status. This requirement applies even to pets that are kept indoors only. There are no exemptions to this law.
Rabies can be transmitted through direct contact with an infected animal. If all exposed cats in this case had been currently vaccinated, they would have only required a booster vaccination followed by a 45-day observation period at home.
If you are unsure of your pet’s vaccination status or cannot locate the rabies certificate, revaccination is recommended. Keep in mind that a pet is not considered fully vaccinated until 28 days after receiving the vaccine.
To reduce the risk of rabies exposure, take the following precautions:
• Ensure pets are vaccinated and kept up to date on rabies vaccinations
• Supervise pets outdoors and keep them on your property or on a leash
• Avoid feeding pets outdoors, as food (and even empty bowls) can attract wildlife
• Do not leave food scraps outside
• Secure garbage in wildlife-proof containers
Rabies vaccinations are available at veterinary offices. Alexander County Animal Services also offers 1-year Rabies vaccinations for dogs and cats for $10.00, by appointment only. For additional information or to make an appointment, please contact Alexander County Animal Services at 828-632-1199