A dog was euthanized after being bitten by a skunk that tested positive for rabies.
On Jan. 7, the skunk bit the dog on Fernway Drive in Burlington. Alamance County Animal Control sent the skunk to be tested, and on Jan. 11, it tested positive for rabies.
The dog was originally quarantined because it wasn't up-to-date on vaccinations. It was later euthanized, according to a press release.
The Alamance County Health Department doesn't believe any humans were exposed to the skunk.
This is the first identified rabies case of the year in Alamance County. Last year, the county had three confirmed rabies cases.
In North Carolina, dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies. The first vaccination should be when the animal is younger than 4 months old, the release said. The pet must be vaccinated no more than a year later and again every three years.
According to information from the Health Department, anyone who is bitten by an animal should wash the wound with soap and water for ten minutes and seek immediate medical attention. Give animal control the location and a description of the animal, including the owner's name and address if the animal is a pet.
Do not try to catch a wild or stray animal, the Health Department says.
The Health Department recommends that anyone who lives in the area examine outdoor pets for wounds. People can call animal control at 336-570-6302 or the Health Department’s Environmental Health office at (336) 570-6367 with questions or concerns.
— Breaking news reporter Rachel Berry can be reached at rberry@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @racheldberry.