Two separate cases of rabies have been confirmed in Moore County, prompting local authorities to remind residents to avoid contact with wildlife and make sure their pets are protected.
According to Moore County Sheriff Ronnie Fields, testing confirmed that a raccoon found in the Vass area and a bat found in the Whispering Pines area were both positive for rabies. The cases occurred in different parts of the county and are not believed to be connected.
Residents urged to avoid wildlife
Authorities are advising residents not to approach or handle wild animals that appear sick, injured, unusually aggressive, disoriented or otherwise abnormal.
Anyone who encounters an animal displaying suspicious behavior should keep people and pets away from it and contact Moore County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services at 910-947-2858.
Pet owners should check vaccinations
Pet owners are encouraged to confirm that dogs, cats and other eligible animals are current on their rabies vaccinations. Pets should also be supervised outdoors and prevented from interacting with raccoons, bats and other wildlife.
Rabies is a serious viral disease that can infect mammals and can be transmitted to people through bites, scratches or contact with infected saliva. Anyone who believes they or their pet may have been exposed should contact a medical provider or veterinarian promptly.
Source: Moore County News, reporting information released by the Moore County Sheriff’s Office.
