DURHAM, N.C. – Like many counties in central North Carolina, the confirmation of new rabies cases has become an all too familiar ritual.

However, Durham County officials have taken proactive measures designed not only to ease the financial burden on pet owners, but also increase rabies vaccination rates.

So far this year, Durham County has confirmed 10 cases of rabies. All cases involved wild animals found in various locations throughout the county.

One of the most recent cases involved a pregnant woman, who was exposed while washing her dog’s wounds and scratches after it fought with a fox. The fox later tested positive for rabies.

As of July 1, the Durham County Board of County Commissioners eliminated the animal fee (tax), and reduced the fee for rabies shots given by the Durham County Sherriff’s Office Animal Services division and at the animal shelter from $15 to $10.

“The vaccination of pets is an essential part of protecting the public’s health,” said Public Health Director Gayle Harris. “Ensuring that pets are properly vaccinated is a part of being a responsible owner. Unless the animal is not old enough for a rabies shot, with reduced and eliminated fees, there should be no excuse.”

In Durham County, failure to vaccinate a dog or cat is a misdemeanor and can result in a $250 fine.

Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system of mammals, which includes living creatures with hair or fur, including humans. In North Carolina, rabies is most often found in wild animals like raccoons, foxes, and bats. However, domestic animals like dogs and cats can also get rabies if they are not vaccinated.

As a result of failure to vaccinate domestic animals, rabies can be spread through the bite of an infected animal or pet, and people can also become infected.

North Carolina law requires that all dogs, cats, and ferrets be vaccinated against rabies by 4 months of age.

Human and pet exposures to rabies can be prevented. The Durham County Department of Public Health and the Durham County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services division offer the following tips to prevent exposure to rabies:

• Never approach, handle, or feed wild or stray animals
• Do not leave pets outside unattended or allow them to roam free
• Cover garbage cans and do not leave pet food outside; as this may attract wild and stray animals
• Teach your children to stay away from wild animals or animals they do not know
• Prevent bats from entering your home by using window screens and chimney caps
• Wear gloves when handling an animal if it has been in a fight with another animal
• In the event of a bite, report the exposure to Animal Services immediately
• Vaccinate your pets and keep vaccinations current

The Durham County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services division provides rabies shots on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to noon and from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., at its offices located at 3005 Glenn Road in Durham. No appointment is necessary, but photo identification and proof of Durham County residency is required. Payments must be made in cash only. For more information, call 919-560-0630.

For more information about rabies prevention and control in Durham County, contact the Durham County Department of Public Health at 919-560-7600 or visit www.dconc.gov/index.aspx?page=765&redirect=1. 

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A map of all rabies cases confirmed this year (to date) in Durham County can be found at http://goo.gl/maps/jQtPM