GUILFORD COUNTY, N.C. — Veterinarians in the Triad are asking pet owners to do their part to prevent the spread of rabies as the Guilford County Department of Health and Human Services announces the 17th confirmed rabies case of the year. 

What You Need To Know

  • Guilford County has confirmed its 17th rabies case of the year

  • Animal control responders say to be cautious if you observe wildlife like bats, raccoons or foxes behaving unusually

  • All dogs, cats and ferrets are required by state law to get a rabies vaccine at 16 weeks old

The rabid animal was a fox on Hoffmine Mill Road in Gibsonville that tested positive for the virus on Aug. 10.

Forsyth County is seeing an increase in rabies exposures.

Vets urge owners to protect their pets by getting them vaccinated every three years and boosted if they have come into contact with an unknown animal.

“This is a virus that could be deadly, but it’s very preventable as long as we make sure our pets are being vaccinated,” said Burlington Animal Services manager Tamee Penly. 

Animal control responders say this is the time of year they usually see an increase in rabies cases. 

They also say to be cautious if you observe wildlife like bats, raccoons or foxes behaving unusually.

North Carolina law requires all dogs, cats and ferrets to receive a rabies vaccine at 16 weeks old.