Five people in a west Wake Forest neighborhood have tested positive for rabies, according to Wake County Health and Human Services and Wake County Animal Services. The incident began when a woman called 911 to report a tortoiseshell cat trapped in an area off Great Woods Road in Wake Forest, near Durham and Creedmoor roads.
The woman explained that the cat had approached her porch, scratched and bit her, prompting her to contact animal services. Unfortunately, the animal tested positive for rabies and was subsequently placed in quarantine, where it later died.
As a result of the incident, four other individuals and a dog were exposed to the feral cat. Each person immediately began treatment for rabies exposure, while the dog received a rabies booster shot as a precautionary measure.
Dr. Jennifer Federico, the director of Wake County Animal Services, emphasized the importance of staying informed about such cases to safeguard the community. She urged residents to exercise caution and avoid approaching unfamiliar animals, stating, “Please be cautious and avoid approaching unfamiliar animals. Remember: stay safe, stay informed.”
Authorities believe that the captured feral cat originated from a colony of feral cats residing behind a nearby grocery store off Old Creedmoor Road. Individuals who have come into contact with these cats are encouraged to reach out to the Wake County Health & Human Services Communicable Disease Program at 919-250-4462.
In light of the incident, officials are urging anyone who witnesses an animal behaving unusually to contact Animal Control immediately. They have also provided guidelines to follow, including not approaching unknown animals, washing wounds from bites or scratches by animals with unknown vaccination history, and ensuring pets have up-to-date rabies vaccinations.
Residents are advised not to feed stray or unknown animals, avoid leaving trash or food outside without a secure lid, and minimize the chances of attracting animals that may carry rabies. If a pet comes into contact with a potentially rabid animal, it is crucial to contact a veterinarian promptly for professional guidance.
For more information on rabies prevention, residents can visit wake.gov/StopRabies.
What measures should be taken if a pet comes into contact with a potentially rabid animal in Wake Forest
Five people in a west Wake Forest neighborhood have tested positive for rabies, according to Wake County Health and Human Services and Wake County Animal Services. The incident began when a woman called 911 to report a tortoiseshell cat trapped in an area off Great Woods Road in Wake Forest, near Durham and Creedmoor roads.
The woman explained that the cat had approached her porch, scratched and bit her, prompting her to contact animal services. Unfortunately, the animal tested positive for rabies and was subsequently placed in quarantine, where it later died.
As a result of the incident, four other individuals and a dog were exposed to the feral cat. Each person immediately began treatment for rabies exposure, while the dog received a rabies booster shot as a precautionary measure.
Dr. Jennifer Federico, the director of Wake County Animal Services, emphasized the importance of staying informed about such cases to safeguard the community. She urged residents to exercise caution and avoid approaching unfamiliar animals, stating, “Please be cautious and avoid approaching unfamiliar animals. Remember: stay safe, stay informed.”
Authorities believe that the captured feral cat originated from a colony of feral cats residing behind a nearby grocery store off Old Creedmoor Road. Individuals who have come into contact with these cats are encouraged to reach out to the Wake County Health & Human Services Communicable Disease Program at 919-250-4462.
In light of the incident, officials are urging anyone who witnesses an animal behaving unusually to contact Animal Control immediately. They have also provided guidelines to follow, including not approaching unknown animals, washing wounds from bites or scratches by animals with unknown vaccination history, and ensuring pets have up-to-date rabies vaccinations.
Residents are advised not to feed stray or unknown animals, avoid leaving trash or food outside without a secure lid, and minimize the chances of attracting animals that may carry rabies. If a pet comes into contact with a potentially rabid animal, it is crucial to contact a veterinarian promptly for professional guidance.
For more information on rabies prevention, residents can visit wake.gov/StopRabies. Stay vigilant and prioritize your safety in order to protect both yourself and your community.
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