Two skunks have tested positive for rabies recently in Warren County and county officials remind pet owners that state law requires that all dogs, cats and ferrets older than four months have a current rabies vaccination.
Both incidents occurred in Norlina. A skunk climbed into a dog pen on Lewis Mustian Road on Sept. 29 and there was another incident the same day on Essence Boulevard. These cases bring to three the number of rabies cases noted since July in Warren County.
Dogs and cats not current on their rabies vaccination that come into contact with a rabid animal have very few options. One option is quarantining their pet for a period up to six months at the owner’s expense; the second is euthanizing the pet.
Raccoons account for the majority of woodland animals that test positive for rabies, followed by skunks and foxes. More cats test positive for rabies than other domestic animals, including dogs and livestock.
Please don’t feed or keep stray or unvaccinated cats, as it presents a health risk to the community. Dumping food scraps in yards and wooded areas only attracts animals and county leaders urge residents to dispose of food scraps by composting or throwing them away in trash receptacles.
Pet owners who fail to keep their animals vaccinated against rabies can face fines and criminal charges. The Warren County Animal Control Department offers 1-year rabies vaccinations Monday through Friday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Animal Ark. The cost is $5 per animal.
Rabies is a fatal disease that has no cure for animals or humans. Feeding, keeping or harboring of stray cats and dogs increases the risk of rabies being transmitted from stray animals to humans and is highly discouraged by Animal Control. Individuals who keep, feed or harbor unvaccinated animals place the animals, themselves and their community at risk of being exposed to this fatal disease.
Unwanted or stray dogs and cats can be reported to Animal Control or brought to the Animal Ark. There is no fee for these services, however; Animal Control has limited resources and responds on a priority basis.
For more information, or to make an appointment, contact Warren County Animal Control at 252.257.6137 or visit the Warren County Animal Ark located at 142 Rafters Lane, off of Hwy 58/43 east of Warrenton.
