Iredell Rabies Alert Issued After Raccoon, Skunk Test Positive

MOORESVILLE, NC — Iredell County Animal Services & Control issued a rabies alert notification Tuesday morning after a raccoon and a skunk tested positive for rabies.

According to county officials, a skunk tested positive for rabies in the area of Gaither Park Road, off West Memorial Highway in Harmony.

In Mooresville, a raccoon also tested positive for rabies in the area of Castle Gate Drive, off Oak Tree Road.

"Please avoid contact with all wild or stray animals," Iredell County Emergency Management said in a statement. "All dogs, cats and ferrets are required by state law to be vaccinated at the age of three months."

Here are tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for rabies prevention in people:

• Leave all wildlife alone.
• Know the risk: contact with infected bats is the leading cause of rabies deaths in people in the U.S., followed by exposure to rabid dogs while traveling internationally.
• Wash animal bites or scratches immediately with soap and water.
• If you are bitten, scratched, or unsure, talk to a healthcare provider about where you need post-exposure prophylaxis. Rabies in people is 100 percent preventable through prompt appropriate medical care.
• Vaccinate your pets to protect them and your family.

Pets or stray animals with suspected exposure to rabies should be reported to Iredell County Animal Services and Control at (704) 878-5335, ICEM said.