A fox picked up on Padgett Road in Shelby has tested positive for rabies, Cleveland County health officials confirmed Monday, marking the seventh rabid animal identified in the county so far this year. County officials are urging residents to steer clear of stray or wild animals, keep pets’ rabies vaccinations up to date, and call a healthcare provider or the health department right away if they are bitten or exposed to potentially infectious saliva.
County Confirms Rabid Fox On Padgett Road
According to the Cleveland County Health Department, the fox was found on Padgett Road in Shelby and later confirmed to be rabid. In the department’s latest update, the animal is listed as the seventh positive rabies detection in Cleveland County this year. Anyone who thinks they may have been exposed is asked to contact their healthcare provider to get a rabies risk assessment and to reach out to the health department at 980-484-5169 or 980-484-5100, as noted by the Cleveland County Health Department.
What To Do If You Or Your Pet Were Exposed
Health officials say anyone who is bitten or scratched should immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and then seek medical care without delay. Rabies post-exposure prophylaxis is described as highly effective when started quickly, according to the CDC. In a post on Cleveland County Government on Facebook, county officials remind pet owners to supervise animals while they are outside and to contact the health department for a rabies risk assessment if there is any concern about contact with wildlife. Residents are also urged to keep a safe distance from wild animals and to avoid handling those that appear sick or unusually tame.
State Law And Pet Rules
North Carolina law requires that dogs, cats and ferrets receive a rabies vaccination by four months of age and that they wear current rabies tags. Local health directors have the authority to require quarantine or other control measures for animals that may have been exposed. In Cleveland County, Animal Services is responsible for wildlife pickup and follow-up investigations, and residents can report concerning animals or request a pickup through the county’s animal services field page. For details on the legal requirements, see N.C. General Assembly §130A-185.
Not The First Detection This Year
Cleveland County’s public health news archive documents a run of positive rabies tests this year, starting with two skunks confirmed on January 15, followed by additional skunk confirmations on February 25, March 6, March 13 and March 18, before this week’s rabid fox report, according to the Cleveland County Health Department. Local media have tracked those earlier detections and repeated warnings to keep pets vaccinated; the county's third confirmed case in late February drew particular attention.
Officials say that if you encounter a sick or unusually tame wild animal, you should not approach it. Keep children and pets away and contact county authorities or your veterinarian instead. For questions or to report a possible exposure, call the Cleveland County Health Department at 980-484-5169 or 980-484-5100 and Cleveland County Animal Services at 704-481-9884.
