Stealth in quarantine recovering from rabies bite.
Burlington, NC -- Rabies is just as much a part of spring as allergies and sneezing, but it's even more critical and concerning.
The health department is warning everyone to be careful around animals after two confirmed cases of rabies in Alamance County. They said it is extremely important to keep your pets' vaccinations current.
This comes after a dog owner thought he would be shelling out $1800 to quarantine his dog for six months, after she was attacked by rabid skunk.
Friday, Robert Anderson said he thought the dog was up-to-date but he couldn't find the shot records to prove it.
Monday, Eric Nickens with the Alamance County Health Department called WFMY News 2 on Anderson's behalf to say, Anderson had come by with Stealth's rabies shot records.
The whole incident started last week after the skunk attacked the hound dog.
"I could smell a skunk and I heard the dogs raising cain. I looked through the woods there and I could see a skunk there on the backside of the fence," said Anderson. "She went after it and bit it. Then, the skunk bit her and she ran out of the yard. So, I went in the house to get the gun."
Anderson killed the skunk, but because he couldn't find the rabies shot proof, Stealth was taken by animal control. Anderson had a choice put the dog to sleep or pay to have her quarantined.
"It was my fault. The dog's never done anything wrong. I had to give it a chance." Anderson was willing to pay the $1800 quarantine fee and be separated for from the dog for six months.
Anderson has this warning for other pet owners, "The $5-$10 dollars to get that rabies shot can save you a boatload in the long-run," said Anderson.
"Rabies is a huge deal. Rabies can be fatal," said Eric Nickens with the Alamance County Health Department.
He said people who get bitten by an infected animal might not show symptoms until it's too late.
"If they break your skin or you come into contact with their saliva," said Nickens. "You need to contact your doctor or seek medical attention immediately."
Anderson and Stealth's story has happy ending. He was able to get her back Monday to take her home.
Health officials say they echo Anderson's warning about the low cost for rabies shot against what it could cost you, if you don't vaccinate your pet.
They want pet owners to not only get pets vaccinated against rabies, they also want you to keep up with the shot records.
RABIES CLINIC INFORMATION
Guilford County Animal Control is offering low cost rabies clinics again this year.
• Saturday, May 21, 2011, 8:00am - 5:00pm, Greensboro Coliseum, 1921 W. Lee Street, in the parking lot facing Lee Street
• Saturday, July 9, 2011, 9:00am - 1:00pm, Summerfield Fire Department, 7400 Summerfield Road
• Saturday, August 27, 2011, 9:00am - 1:00pm, Fire District #28, 6619 NC 61 North, Gibsonville
• Saturday, October 1, 2011, 9:00am - 1:00pm, "Pet Day" at Pleasant Garden Town Hall, 4920 Alliance Church Road, Pleasant Garden
The rabies vaccination will cost five dollars ($5.00) per shot at these clinics and will protect your pet for one calendar year.
For your pet's safety and the safety of others at these clinics, dogs must be leased and cats must be in carriers.
For more information or to schedule an animal health educational program, please contact the Guilford County Department of Public Health at (336) 641-7777, Guilford County Animal Control at (336) 641-5990 or visit www.guilfordhealth.org.
WFMY News 2