On the same date, a grey fox attacked and bit a dog in the Shady Forest area of Calabash. In this case, the fox was not captured and remains at large. Unfortunately, the dog was not current on its rabies vaccination and had to be humanely euthanized. Citizens are asked to contact Brunswick County Animal Services if they observe any animals behaving in an unusual manner.
Rabies is caused by a virus that lives in the saliva of a rabid animal. Rabies is usually transmitted through an animal bite but it is also possible to become infected if the animal’s saliva gets into a cut on your skin or in your eyes, nose, or mouth. All mammals, including people, can become infected with rabies but the four most common animals that carry rabies are raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats.
Rabies is well documented in Brunswick County’s wildlife
population, so never approach or handle wildlife no matter how cute,
friendly, or tame it may appear. Also you should avoid contact with
stray dogs or cats including feeding stray animals. Harboring
(feeding) strays is a violation of Brunswick County’s Animal Control
Ordinance.
To avoid exposure to rabies, the public is cautioned to do 3 things:
1. Make sure all cats and dogs have been vaccinated and keep the
vaccinations current,
2. Do not harbor or feed stray dogs, cats, or wildlife.
3. Report and seek treatment for all animal bites (legally
required).
Brunswick Animal Services is sponsoring two rabies clinics at local
veterinarians on Saturday,
September 11, 2010 and Saturday, September 18, 2010 with a reduced cost of $6 for the vaccine. All dog and cat owners are encouraged to attend.
Call Animal Services at 754-8204 for further information concerning other rabies clinics in this area.
WWAY NewsChannel 3, August 16, 2010