– information courtesy of Franklin County Public Information Officer James F. Hicks, III
Franklin County recorded its 10th confirmed animal rabies case of the year on Wednesday.
Franklin County Animal Services staff continue to work to make sure infected animals and any animals that may have had contact with an infected animal are managed safely. Staff have been working to distribute printed materials in areas surrounding positive cases and working closely with the Franklin County Health Department to make sure rules for quarantining and isolation of animals are being closely followed.
“We’ve already doubled the number of confirmed rabies cases in Franklin County this year, more than all of 2024, and this season is not even close to being over,” said Franklin County Health Director Scott LaVigne.
Six of the ten cases involved skunks — which has been consistent with previous years; however, this year’s cases have also included two raccoons, one fox and a bat.
If you have come into contact with an infected animal and believe that you have been exposed, seek immediate medical attention.
“Rabies is nearly 100% fatal in humans once you show symptoms of infection, so we strictly follow the guidelines,” LaVigne said. “Today, a series of 4-5 shots is sufficient to prevent rabies in people.”
Additionally, the best way to protect your pets is to make sure they are up to date with their rabies vaccine.
“In nearly every rabies case this year, where domestic animals were exposed, some pets had never had a rabies shot,” Interim Animal Services Manager Jerry Jones said. “That’s a conversation no one wants to have with a family.”
If you observe an animal showing rabies symptoms, please call 911 to contact Animal Services immediately. Keep a safe distance from the animal, but monitor where the animal is until an Animal Services Officer arrives.
Below is helpful information to minimize your pet’s exposure to rabies:
- Vaccinate your pets against rabies and keep the vaccinations current.
- Keep pets inside. Supervise pets outside and keep dogs on a leash.
- Do not feed pets outside. Pet food and mulch attract wildlife.
- Do not feed wildlife, feral cats, or feral dogs.
- Secure garbage cans with wildlife-proof lids.
All dogs and cats are required to have a current rabies vaccination. If your pet is not currently vaccinated or is due for a vaccine, please contact your veterinarian or attend the vaccine event on August 23, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Franklin County Animal Shelter at 351 T Kemp Road, Louisburg, N.C. 27549. The cost for a rabies vaccine is $15.
If you own livestock or pets of other species, please contact your veterinarian for rabies vaccination information and prevention.
You may see healthy wildlife roaming during daylight hours. This does not necessarily mean they have rabies. For more information about rabies visit:
https://epi.dph.ncdhhs.gov/cd/rabies/control.html
https://epi.dph.ncdhhs.gov/cd/diseases/rabies.html