Rabid raccoon in Carolina Beach euthanized after fighting with dog
NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WECT) – A rabid raccoon in Carolina Beach was euthanized on Sunday, according to a news release from Sergeant J.J. Brewer with the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office.
Animal Services was called to pick up a raccoon on South Fourth Street in Carolina Beach that had possibly fought with an owned dog. The dog was current on its rabies vaccinations but it was handled by its owners after the incident, which potentially exposed them to the virus, Brewer said.
The raccoon was euthanized and sent to the state lab. Officials then notified the Animal Services Unit that the raccoon had tested positive on Tuesday, making it the sixth positive case in the county during 2012. Brewer said the victim was notified of the positive results and ASU staff verified that the dog was given a rabies booster vaccine.
Officials are expected to canvass the area to educate the public about rabies vaccines.
