Two animals tested positive for rabies in Orange County last week, bringing the total number of positive rabies test to 11 in Orange County for 2011.
A deceased skunk and raccoon were both submitted to the State Laboratory of Public Health after they came into contact with dogs and their owners in Orange County.
The skunk was discovered dead in a dog’s pen at a residence on N.C. 57 just north of Hillsborough. The owner then came into contact with the dog after finding the skunk. Because the dog had not been vaccinated for rabies, it had to be surrendered for euthanasia.
The raccoon was discovered in the mouths of two dogs in the area of Hawkins Road and N.C. 86. The owner contained the two dogs, which were current on their rabies vaccinations and received a booster shot after exposure.
In accordance with state law, unvaccinated animals that come into contact with rabies must either be quarantined for six months or destroyed. By contrast, animals currently vaccinated must receive a booster shot within five days.