Rabies virus-positive blood sample
Davidson County, North Carolina (WGHP) — The Davidson County Health Department has reported a positive case of rabies near the Silver Valley area.
DCHD said it had received a report that a 7-month-old calf had been euthanized on Sunday.
On Tuesday, tests confirmed that the calf was positive for the rabies virus.
Officials say the calf was quarantined after first showing signs of illness, and the Department of Agriculture is involved in determining quarter requirements for other cattle on the pasture. No exposure confirmed.
Rabies is 99.9% fatal to humans, so don’t touch unfamiliar or wild animals with bare hands. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) treatment should be started immediately for anyone who may have been exposed to rabies.
The Davidson County Health Department will host a free rabies clinic on April 20th. Clinics are held at the Bethany United Methodist Church, 193 Bethany Road, Lexington from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
North Carolina law requires all dogs, cats and ferrets to be vaccinated against rabies by the age of 4 months and kept up to date. Animals must be at least 3 months old to be vaccinated against rabies. All humans and animals must remain inside the vehicle at all times.
