Rabies

Rabies is an infectious viral disease that affects the nervous system of both animals and people. If not treated quickly and properly, THIS DISEASE WILL CAUSE DEATH.

In North Carolina, rabies is primarily found in the raccoon, fox, skunk and bat.

How can I protect my family and pets from rabies?

  • Be sure your dogs, cats, and ferrets are up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations. Whether your pet stays indoors or outdoors, it MUST be vaccinated against rabies and have a current vaccination at all times. IT’S THE LAW!!
  • Keeping your pets at home greatly reduces the possibility of exposure to rabies.
  • Do not attract, handle or tame wildlife or stray dogs or cats. Do not assume a friendly neighborhood dog or cat is up-to-date on its rabies vaccination.
  • Teach your children to stay away from wild animals and stray dogs and cats.

DO’s for Rabies Prevention:

  • Stay away from wild animals
  • Keep wild animals out of your home
  • Stay away from strays and other people’s pets
  • Secure trash and pet food
  • Spay or neuter your pets
  • Have your animals vaccinated
  • Save your rabies vaccination certificates
  • Treat all animal bites and scratches seriously
  • Call about any attack or bite suffered by your pet

DON’TS for Rabies Prevention:

  • Don’t leave uneaten containers of pet food outdoors
  • Don’t feed wild animals or leave food out for them
  • Don’t allow your pets to run loose
  • Don’t try to tame wild animals
  • Don’t try to capture any animal by yourself, call Wilkes County Animal Services
  • Don’t try to vaccinate your own pets
  • Don’t destroy the brain or any suspect animal. If the animal must be destroyed, don’t shoot it in the head. The brain must remain intact and kept under refrigeration for proper laboratory examination for the presence of rabies.

Who can I call if I need help with an animal bite or injured dog or cat?

All animal bites must be reported to Wilkes County Animal Services, even if it is your own pet. Animals that are bitten or attacked by another animal also need to be reported. Animal Services works with the Wilkes County Health Department to determine if a person who has suffered a bite needs to have rabies vaccinations. For any questions contact:

  • Wilkes County Animal Services
    408 Call St. Wilkesboro, NC 28697
    Phone: 336-903-7688

 Or

  • Wilkes County Health Department
    306 College St Wilkesboro, NC 28697
    Phone: 336-651-7450

For more information on rabies visit:

www.cdc.gov/rabies/index.html

Wilkes County Health Department works with Wilkes County Animal Shelter and the Humane Society of Wilkes to prevent the spread of rabies through:

  • Rabies vaccination clinics
  • Public education
  • Investigating animal bites
  • Testing and investigation of unvaccinated animals
  • Population control of unwanted animals

The Humane Society of Wilkes has financial assistance for spaying and neutering pets as well as a website of animals that need homes.