Rabid skunk found in Kings Mountain
A rabid skunk has been discovered in Cleveland County.
The Cleveland County Health Department was notified on Tuesday that a skunk tested positive for rabies. This is the second rabid animal identified in the county this year. It was found on South Battleground Avenue in Kings Mountain.
Anyone bitten or exposed to potentially infectious saliva from this animal should contact their health care provider or the local health department for a rabies risk assessment or contact the Health Department.
Rabies is a fatal yet preventable disease.
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.
Prevention of rabies is based on protection of susceptible animals and people and appropriate management of those exposed to it:
Vaccinate pets. State law says all dogs, cats and ferrets must be vaccinated against rabies and must wear a rabies tag. Cats are the most commonly identified domestic animal with rabies.
If pets are exposed to rabies, they should get a booster of rabies vaccine ifthey are currently vaccinated at the time of exposure. If pets are not currently vaccinated against rabies when exposed, state law mandates that they be euthanized or quarantined for six months.
Limit stray and feral animals. In Shelby, Kings Mountain, Boiling Springs and Grover, all dogs must be kept on a leash. People should not approach stray or feral dogs or cats.
Feral cat colonies should be monitored and their location reported to Cleveland 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 who sees an animal demonstrating unusual behavior should call the Cleveland County Animal Control Department at 704-481-9884.
This article originally appeared on The Shelby Star: Rabid skunk found in Kings Mountain
