Orange County Animal Services has reported its third rabies case of the year following an incident in Hillsborough.

On December 5, a Hillsborough resident discovered a skunk in an outdoor enclosure with his dog. After unsuccessful attempts to scare the skunk away, he killed the skunk and called Animal Control. Animal Control arrived and removed the skunk for rabies testing. Results came back positive according to the North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health.

Orange County Animal Services (OCAS) said because the dog had a current vaccination it was able to receive a rabies booster shot within the required window. When there is “a reasonable suspicion of exposure,” a dog, cat, or ferret with a valid vaccination history must receive a booster shot within four days. An unvaccinated cat or dog must either be euthanized or quarantined for a period up to four months.

Because the Hillsborough resident had direct contact with his dog after possible exposure to the skunk, a Communicable Disease Nurse from the Orange County Health Department is in contact with him to evaluate the risk of rabies exposure.

OCAS advises residents to make sure pets are up to date on their rabies vaccinations as rabies is a fatal viral infection. Per North Carolina law, dogs, cats and ferrets older than four months must have a current and valid rabies vaccination at all times.

Rabies can be transmitted through secondary saliva exposure when handling an animal, so OCAS said do not touch your pet without gloves if it has had any possible exposure to a rabies vector. Common North Carolina rabies vectors include bats, raccoons, and foxes.

Orange County recorded a total of eight positive rabies cases last year and six the year before. Most recently, the last rabies case in the county was identified in October of 2021. 

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