The Chatham County Sheriff’s Animal Resource Center alerted the community to the latest positive rabies case reported in the county.

A release from the sheriff’s office said animal resource officers received a tip of a skunk “displaying unusual behavior” near the intersection of Silk Hope Liberty Road and Albert Hargrove Road on Wednesday, Nov. 19. Officers captured the animal and submitted it to the State Laboratory of Public Health for testing, which confirmed the skunk was infected with rabies.

The case marks the fifth reported so far in this calendar year, coming just a few weeks after the fourth case was reported when a fox bit a resident near U.S. 64.

There was no human exposure from this instance, according to the release, but Chatham County Sheriff Mike Roberson said residents should use the news as a reminded to keep household pets up to date on rabies vaccinations.

“Rabies is a serious disease, but it is preventable,” Roberson said. “Even when there is no human exposure, these incidents highlight why it’s important to ensure pets are vaccinated and to avoid contact with wildlife exhibiting unusual behavior.”

County officials encourage anyone who come into contact with a wild animal — especially one acting strangely or exhibiting unusually aggressive behavior — to promptly contact Chatham County Animal Resources at 919-542-7203 or the Chatham County Public Health Department at 919-742-5641 after the incidents.

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