The North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health reports that Orange County Animal Services has encountered two more positive tests for rabies, bringing the number of positive tests for this year to 17.

The last two reported cases involved a fox and a bat.

Director of Orange County Animal Services, Bob Marotto, described the both incidents, beginning with the first incident that took place on Saturday, August 2, when a Carrboro resident’s pet duck was being attacked by a grey fox.

“The fox attacked the duck. The owners separated the fox from the duck with a garden implement,” explains Marotoo. “After chasing the fox away, we have surmised that the fox was hit and killed by a car.”

A different resident contacted Animal Services the following day, which is where Animal Services believe it was the same fox.

On Sunday, August 3, a Carrboro resident found a dying bat on the ground near her home as she was taking her dog for a walk.

“The dog found a bat on the ground and approached the bat; may have nosed the bat,” says Marotto. “The bat was still alive, and the bat apparently showed its fangs to the dog as the dog was near the bat. That bat tested positive [for rabies], as did the fox.”

Marotto encourages that residents of Carrboro and the rest of Orange County keep their pets’ rabies vaccines as up-to-date as possible.

“We often stress the importance of vaccinating our pets as we should, and keeping them currently vaccinated,” says Marotto. “Also, be sure that if there is an exposure to rabies that our pets receive the booster shot required by law.”

On Thursday, August 14, from 3 – 5 p.m., the Orange County Animal Services Center will host another Low-Cost Rabies Vaccination Clinic. The center is located at 1601 Eubanks Road in Chapel Hill. There will be a $10 cost for rabies vaccinations, and microchips will be available for $25.

For more information, please call Orange County Animal Services at 919-942-7387 or click here.