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On April 12, 2022, the Bladen County Health Department was notified of a dog that tested positive for rabies. This is the first rabid animal identified in the county this year. The dog was a domestic animal, at a residence near Clarkton in the Farmers Union area, in the vicinity of Porters School/Farmers Union crossroads. The dog, an approximate one-year-old Shepard mix, became sick on April 9 and died the same day.

Rabies is transmitted by the bite of an infected animal or via contamination of open wounds or mucus membranes with potentially infectious material such as saliva. Any person bitten or exposed to potentially infectious saliva from this dog from March 28-April 9nd should contact their healthcare provider or the local health department for a rabies risk assessment. Rabies is a fatal yet preventable disease if post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is administered. You may contact the Bladen County Health Department at 910-862-6900.

Prevention of rabies is based on the protection of susceptible animals and people and appropriate management of persons and animals exposed to rabies:

Vaccinate pets-the #1 way to prevent rabies! In accordance with NC State Law, all
dogs, cats, and ferrets must be kept currently vaccinated against rabies and must wear a
rabies tag. Cats are the most commonly identified domestic animal with rabies
Control measures for pets exposed to rabies. If pets are exposed to rabies they should
receive a booster dose of rabies vaccine if they are currently vaccinated at the time of
exposure. If pets are not currently vaccinated against rabies when exposed the animals
will be euthanized or quarantined for four months in accordance with state law.
Control measures for persons exposed to rabies. Seek medical guidance from your
health care provider of the local health department if you believe you have been exposed
to rabies.
Limit stray and feral animals. Persons should not approach stray or feral dogs or cats.
Feral cat colonies should be intensively monitored and their location reported to Bladen
County Animal Control.
Leave wildlife alone. Raccoons and other wildlife serve as the reservoir for rabies in
North Carolina. Rabies occurs throughout North Carolina. Anyone that sees an animal
demonstrating unusual behavior needs to call the Bladen County Animal Control
Department at 910-862-6918