Livestock Owners Stay Informed as Lincoln County Has Confirmed the Thirteenth Positive Rabies Case of 2025.
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Collapse ▲Lincoln County Animal Services has confirmed the county’s 13th rabies case of 2025. On Friday, September 12, a resident called Animal Services regarding a skunk that was found inside the fenced area with the family dog the night before on the 3000 block of Plateau Road. The homeowner dispatched the skunk and Animal Services submitted the specimen to the North Carolina State Laboratory for rabies testing on September 15. There was no exposure to humans and domestic animal exposure was uncertain. The dog was up to date on its rabies vaccination; therefore, a booster dose was administered in the event exposure did occur.
On Wednesday, September 17, Lincoln County Animal Services received confirmation of a positive rabies test for the skunk. Lincoln County is currently working with Dr. Carl Williams, State Public Health Veterinarian, and team for data analysis of the current and historical case status of rabies incidence in Lincoln County. The County is encouraging all residents to review the vaccination status of their applicable pets and to locate the appropriate documents for confirmation of vaccination status. Lincoln County recommends for all pet owners to ensure their indoor pets, outdoor pets, ferrets and livestock are kept current on their rabies vaccine and 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).
- Attend a rabies vaccination clinic on Saturday, October 4th at the Health Department 200 Gamble Drive in Lincolnton starting at 9 a.m. while supplies last. All dogs must be on a leash and cats must be in a carrier or trap.
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.
Livestock Vaccine Specifics: Always consult with your veterinarian on vaccination and herd health plans. Rabies vaccination is especially important when cases increase in your area.
- Cattle: Vaccine available (1 year). Rabies is uncommon in cattle but there are often a few livestock cases when wildlife cases increase; signs often mistaken for throat obstruction.
- Horses: Vaccine available; annual vaccination recommended. Symptoms may mimic other neurologic diseases.
- Sheep: Vaccines available; protection lasts 1-3 years depending on product and history.
- Goats: No vaccine labeled, but sheep/cattle vaccines are often used off-label in endemic areas. Must consult a veterinarian for off-label use of any vaccine/medication.
- Pigs & Rabbits: No approved vaccines; prevention relies on housing/fencing to limit wildlife exposure. Consult with your veterinarian for recommendations.
To learn more about rabies: cdc.gov – Rabies
Sources:
This press release was posted on the county’s website, incolncountync.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 smart911.com.
Cole, D., & Rea-Keywood, J. (2014, February 27). Rabies: What you should know for your pets and livestock (Fact Sheet FS1228). Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station.
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. (2016, August). Animal rabies vaccination: Requirements & guidelines. North Carolina Rabies Control Manual.