Catawba County confirms 5th rabies case of 2015

Catawba County’s fifth rabies case of the year was confirmed after a dog attacked and severely injured a young fox west of Newton on Tuesday, animal control officers said.

Catawba County Animal Services received a call from a resident that a dog had attacked the fox off Sandy Ford Road. Animal Services officers said they safely secured the fox, and its remains were sent to the N.C. Public Health Laboratory in Raleigh.

Catawba County Animal Services was notified Thursday that the fox tested positive for rabies.

The dog is current on its rabies vaccination, and Animal Services officials advised the owner to take the dog to a veterinarian for a rabies booster shot. The owner said the dog was being taken to a vet at that time.

A new series of rabies vaccination clinics will begin Saturday, from 10 a.m. to noon at St. Stephens Dog Park, 2247 36th Ave NE in Hickory.

Details: Catawba County Animal Services at 828-464-7686.

This story was originally published April 30, 2015 at 2:50 PM with the headline "Catawba County confirms 5th rabies case of 2015."