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The Bladen County Health Department was notified Tuesday, April 8 of a raccoon that tested positive for rabies. Animal Control Officers retrieved a deceased raccoon Monday, April 7 on Twisted Hickory Road in Bladenboro near the N.C. 242 intersection. The animal was sent for rabies testing.

It’s at least the fourth case in Bladen County this year of an animal testing positive for rabies. The other cases were announced January 6, January 8 and April 4.

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 raccoon during late March, early April should contact their healthcare provider or the Bladen County Health Department at 910-862-6900 for a rabies risk assessment. Rabies is a fatal, yet preventable, disease if post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is administered.

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

• Vaccinate pets-the #1 way to prevent rabies. In accordance with 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 or the Bladen County Health Department if you believe you have been exposed to rabies.

• Limit stray and feral animals. People 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 at 910-862-6918.

• 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.