Fox, raccoon and three bats sent to lab for rabies tests | Health

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WECT) – Officials with Brunswick County Animal Services sent a fox, a raccoon and three bats to the state lab to be tested for rabies on Monday.

The fox tested positive for rabies, but the raccoon and bats were negative for the virus, according to a news release from the Health Department.

The fox reportedly attacked a dog on Oak Island. The dog’s owner pushed the fox away and ended up killing the rabid animal. The release said the owner was not bitten or touched by the fox and that the dog was current on its rabies vaccination.

“This is the second confirmed case of rabies on Oak Island,” stated David Stanley, Health Director.  “I warn all citizens in that area to assume any wild animals, including cats, may be infected with rabies and avoid any contact.”

The raccoon, which was also on Oak Island, was handled by several people and died so it was tested as a precaution.

Three bats fell from a chimney when the home owners opened a vent in Shallotte. One bat was dead and another died shortly after the fall. The homeowners tried to feed milk to a baby bat that also fell from the chimney.

“We encourage people, especially pet owners, to contact authorities of animals acting suspiciously,” stated Stanley. “Also make sure all your pets are current on vaccinations.”

For more information about rabies, call Brunswick County Animal Services at 910-754-8204 or go to http://animalservices.brunsco.net.

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