[JEFFERSON, NC] – The public health staff, in partnership with Ashe County Animal control, and Ashe County Emergency Management, are working together to notify the community in and around the Trojan Horse Circle neighborhood about a confirmed rabies case from a neighborhood dog. The dog is described as a black and tan Rottweiler Hound mix weighing approximately 40 pounds. While this is a sad occurrence, it is critical that any person who has come in contact with this animal between the dates of January 15 through January 30, 2016 call the Ashe County office of Appalachian District Health Department at 336-246-9449.
County officials are working to ensure that anyone who may have been exposed to rabies get immediate guidance from the local public health communicable disease staff so they can get the recommended treatment needed as soon as possible.
Rabies is a terrible, but preventable disease that can be fatal if not treated promptly, and contact with stray animals may put you and your family at risk. If you determine there is a stray animal in your area, contact your animal control office for further guidance. It is best to be cautious and avoid direct contact with unfamiliar animals. Even when a pet may look healthy, the risk of rabies may still exist. Please spay and neuter your pets and keep their rabies vaccination up to date.
For additional information about Appalachian District Health Department, please call 336-246-9449 or visit our website at www.apphealth.com and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
Contact: Jennifer Greene Phone: (336) 246-9449 February 3, 2016
Email: jen.bryan@apphealth.com