Lincoln County Animal Services has confirmed the county’s 14th rabies case of 2025. On, Wednesday, November 12, a resident called Animal Services regarding a raccoon that had an altercation with a family dog off Echo Lane.
The homeowner dispatched the raccoon and Animal Services submitted the specimen to the North Carolina State Laboratory for rabies testing on November 13. There was no known exposure to humans and the dog was up-to-date on its rabies vaccination. On Monday, November 17, Lincoln County Animal Services received confirmation of a positive rabies test for the raccoon. This press release will be posted on the county’s website, https://www.lincolncountync.gov/, shared on county social media outlets and a public notification message was sent to properties within the area. To keep up to date with county notifications, sign up at https://www.smart911.com/smart911/ref/login.action?pa=lincolncountync. We recommend for all pet owners to ensure their indoor pets, outdoor pets, ferrets and livestock are kept current on their rabies vaccine and to locate the appropriate documents for confirmation of vaccination status. To keep yourself safe, don’t approach or handle wildlife. Signs of rabies in wild animals can include abnormal amounts of aggression or friendliness, disorientation, wobbliness, circling, and excessive salivation. If you see or encounter a wild animal that may be sick, or is exhibiting signs of abnormal behavior, call Animal Services at (704) 736-4125 to report it.
Resources for rabies vaccinations:
The public can take advantage of vaccination opportunities through Lincoln County Animal Services and low-cost clinics sponsored by Helping Animals to Survive (HATS). Lincoln County residents may schedule an appointment with Lincoln County Animal Services to receive a 1-year rabies vaccination for $10 per pet (felines and canines only).
Lincoln County Animal Services: https://www.lincolncountync.gov/702/Animal-Services
Helping Animals To Survive (HATS): https://www.hatsalive.org/calendar-2/