By Megan V. Williams
Wilmington, NC – New Hanover County has confirmed its first case of rabies this year.
According to county spokesperson Mark Boyer, a homeowner on Lancaster Road in the central part of Wilmington discovered the family dog carrying a dead raccoon in its mouth earlier this month. Because the dog's rabies vaccination had expired, the owner had it euthanized.
The raccoon later tested positive for rabies.
The county is holding a free rabies vaccine clinic on April 19th at the New Hanover County animal control shelter, and is working with local veterinarians to subsidize vaccinations at their clinics.
North Carolina law requires all pets be protected from rabies. This is New Hanover County's 92nd rabies case since the disease reappeared in the 1980s.
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New Hanover County free rabies clinic:
New Hanover County Animal Control Shelter
180 Division Drive
Saturday, April 19
1:00 until 3:00 pm
The following veterinary clinics will also provide discounted $6 rabies shots the week of April 21 - 26:
Animal Medical Clinic
Highsmith Animal Hospital
Atlantic Animal Hospital
Leonard-Sykes Hospital for Pets
Azalea Coast Animal Care
Needham Animal Hospital
Capeside Animal Hospital
North College Road Animal Hospital
Carolina Beach Animal Hospital
Ogden Veterinary Hospital
College Road Animal Hospital
Pine Valley Animal Hospital
Dineen Animal Hospital
Port City Animal Hospital
Four Oaks Pet Hospital
Porter's Neck Veterinary Hospital
Hanover Regional Animal Hospital
Scotts Hill Animal Hospital
The Sound Cat
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