4th rabies case confirmed in Brunswick Co. after bobcat attempts to attack dog, man | Health

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WECT) – A fourth case of rabies in Brunswick County has been confirmed, according to a news release from the Brunswick County Health Department.

On Aug. 17, a bobcat was chasing a man’s dog in the Long Beach Road area of Oak Island. The bobcat took a swipe at the dog before running into nearby woods. The man, who did not come in contact with the bobcat, was cautious about the possibility of rabies, and waited for the saliva to dry before handling the dog.

About an hour later, the bobcat charged a different man in his yard, trying to attack him. To defend himself, the man threw a tire iron at the animal, which killed it.

Oak Island Animal Services then took the bobcat to Brunswick County Animal Protective Services, which sent the animal to the state lab for testing. The rabies results came back positive Tuesday.

Fortunately, the dog involved in the altercation was up-to-date on its rabies shots so that in only needed to be re-boostered.

A public health nurse went to the second man’s home and determined that he had not been in contact with the animal.

The health department reminds pet owners that dogs and cats over four months old are required to be vaccinated against rabies by law.

People are also advised not to harbor or feed any stray dogs or cats to avoid transmission of the virus, and to report any animal bites and seek treatment.

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