Orange County Reports Positive Rabies Test on Raccoon in Hillsborough

Orange County Animal Services has reported a positive rabies test on a deceased raccoon found in Hillsborough.

On February 3, animal control received a call from a resident reporting their dog coming into contact with the raccoon near Joseph Road, located north of downtown Hillsborough off of Walnut Grove Church Road. The raccoon was retrieved for testing, which confirmed the presence of rabies.

The department reminded residents that while it is not unusual to see wild animals active during daylight hours, it is important to note how that animal is acting and to keep one’s distance from all wild animals when possible. The rabies virus can be transmitted through secondary saliva exposure, so handling a rabid or exposed animal without gloves could be very harmful. Officials urge people to keep visual contact with the animal, call Animal Control at 919-942-7387 or 911, and safely remain in the area until an officer arrives.

Tuesday’s case is the second confirmed case of rabies in Orange County in 2025. The first case, also involving a raccoon, was reported in Chapel Hill on January 24. Eight cases were reported in 2024.

In its release, Orange County Animal Services also reminded pet owners that North Carolina law requires dogs, cats and ferrets older than four months to have current and valid rabies vaccination at all times. The department offers low-cost rabies vaccination clinics to the community several times each year, where pets can get one-year and three-year vaccinations — with the first such events in 2025 coming up on Feb. 12 in Hillsborough. Visit the Orange county Animal Services department’s webpage to learn more.

Featured image via Jordan Rushton

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