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LINCOLNTON––Lincoln County has seen yet another case of rabies.

According to a Wednesday statement from Lincoln County Public Information Officer Vanessa León, on Nov. 7, Lincoln County Animal Services received a call about a dog that was involved in an altercation with a skunk on Shady Brook Lane in Lincolnton. Nov. 8, the body of the skunk was seized and submitted to the North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health.

And then on Wednesday, the Lincoln County Health Department received confirmation of a positive rabies test, as León informed.

“We recommend all pet-owners ensure their indoor and outdoor animals are kept current on their rabies vaccines,” she said, “and take advantage of vaccination opportunities through Lincoln County Animal Services and low-cost clinics sponsored by Helping Animals to Survive (or HATS).”

Lincoln County residents may schedule an appointment with Lincoln County Animal Services to receive a one-year rabies vaccination for $7 for each pet. And HATS will have a free rabies vaccination and microchip clinic on Dec. 2, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., at Temple Baptist Church in Lincolnton.

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 come into contact with a wild animal that may be sick or is exhibiting signs of abnormal behavior, call Lincoln County Animal Services at (704) 736-4125 to report it.

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