Orange County Animal Services (OCAS) reported its third positive rabies test of 2022. A release from OCAS Tuesday said a sheep in Hillsborough tested positive for the infection.

The sheep had died over the weekend and was submitted for rabies testing from the North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health. OCAS was notified of the positive result Monday.

“Because the owners of the sheep had possible exposure to rabies due to handling the animal, a Communicable Disease Nurse from the Orange County Health Department will evaluate the risk of rabies exposure,” Orange County Animal Services said. “As is always the case, a decision about the post-exposure prophylaxis that protects people from rabies is based upon an assessment of all the factors involved in this type of situation.”

Additionally, all other livestock on the property are being evaluated by a North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services veterinarian in case of additional infections.

Rabies is a fatal infection. It can be transmitted through secondary saliva exposure handling an animal so OCAS says to not touch a pet without gloves if there is a suspected exposure to a rabies vector. They also encourage everyone to make sure their pets are up to date on their rabies vaccinations.

Common rabies vectors in North Carolina include bats, raccoons, skunks, foxes and wolves.

There were four rabies cases during 2021 and eight in 2020. The previous two rabies cases of 2022 stemmed from a bat and a raccoon.

For pets not up to date on rabies vaccines, Orange County Animal Services is hosting one of its low-cost vaccination clinics on Wednesday, June 15. More information can be found on the department’s website.

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