Hickory – Catawba County recorded a case of rabies from a raccoon collected in SE Hickory on May 6th.
Hickory Animal Control officers were dispatched to the 400 Block of 1st Ave SE, Hickory after receiving a call reference a sick raccoon in the area. Animal Control collected the raccoon as standard procedure and its remains were sent to the North Carolina Public Health Laboratory for rabies testing.
On May 10, The North Carolina Public Health Laboratory notified Catawba County that the raccoon tested positive for rabies.
Hickory Police Department Animal Control reminds pet owners that rabies is still present in the local wild animal population and is a threat to pets and humans. Some symptoms of rabies to look for in your domestic animals are: uncoordinated or unsteady walking, stumbling, paralysis, difficulty eating or inability to swallow, disorientation, difficulty breathing, slobbering, difficulty hearing, sensitivity to noise or visual stimulation, fear of water, or behavioral changes. If you notice any of these symptoms in your pet, please have them checked out by your local veterinarian.
The best way to protect domestic pets from rabies is to have them properly vaccinated for rabies. The Hickory Police Department will sponsor a rabies vaccination clinic on Saturday, May 22nd from 12:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the Winkler Park Activity Center (next to the Hickory Crawdads stadium) on Clement Blvd.
Rabies vaccinations will be offered for $10.00 cash per vaccination. To receive a three year vaccination for your pet you must present a current certificate of your pet’s rabies vaccination.
All participants and pets are asked to remain in your vehicle during the clinic. Vaccinations will be administered at your vehicle. This clinic is for cats and dogs rabies vaccinations only.
