Lincoln County confirmed its third rabies case of the year after a raccoon tested positive.
LINCOLNTON, N.C. — Lincoln County health officials have confirmed the county’s third case of rabies this year after a raccoon tested positive for the deadly virus.
Dogs at a house off Fairview Church Road in Cherryville killed the raccoon on Monday. No humans were hurt during the encounter.
The animal’s remains were submitted to the North Carolina State Laboratory for testing on May 6th, with positive results returned to the Lincoln County Health Department on Thursday.
County officials are urging pet owners to ensure all animals, both indoor and outdoor, maintain current rabies vaccinations.
Residents can take advantage of vaccination services through Lincoln County Animal Services, where appointments for 1-year rabies vaccinations are available for $7 per pet. Additional low-cost vaccination clinics are sponsored by local nonprofit Helping Animals to Survive (HATS).
Health officials remind residents never to approach or handle wildlife, especially animals showing signs of potential rabies infection. These symptoms can include abnormal aggression or friendliness, disorientation, unsteady movement, circling behavior and excessive drooling.
Any sightings of wildlife exhibiting unusual behavior should be reported to Lincoln County Animal Services at (704) 736-4125.
For rabies vaccination information:
