PINEHURST, N.C. — Moore County authorities are warning residents to remain alert after a raccoon tested positive for rabies in the Pinehurst area.
A Moore County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services deputy responded to a residence on Magnolia Avenue on August 31 at the request of the Pinehurst Police Department.
According to authorities, the homeowner reported that a dog had been bitten by a raccoon exhibiting behavior consistent with possible rabies.
The Animal Services deputy captured the raccoon and transported it to Raleigh for testing. Laboratory results confirmed that the animal was positive for rabies.
Residents Urged to Avoid Abnormally Behaving Wildlife
Moore County Sheriff Ronnie Fields is urging Pinehurst residents to avoid approaching wildlife that appears sick, injured, unusually aggressive, disoriented or otherwise behaves abnormally.
Residents should also check their pets’ veterinary records and make sure all rabies vaccinations remain current.
Anyone who notices an animal exhibiting suspicious behavior in the Pinehurst area should keep people and pets away from it and contact Moore County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services at 910-947-2858.
Residents should not attempt to capture or handle a potentially rabid animal themselves.
Source: Moore County Sheriff’s Office via Sandhills Sentinel.
