CRAVEN COUNTY, NC (WITN) – A health department in Eastern Carolina is warning the public after a raccoon was found to have rabies.

On Tuesday, the Craven County Health Department was notified that a raccoon had tested positive for rabies. The animal was found on St. John’s Road in western Craven County.

According to the health department, anyone who has been bitten or exposed to the raccoon’s potentially infectious saliva should contact their doctor or local health department for a rabies risk assessment. You can also contact the Craven County Health Department at 252-636-4920.

The health department recommends that if your pet is bitten, do not check for bites with your bare hands. Instead, leave the wound alone and take your pet to a veterinarian. Also, make sure your pets have the latest rabies vaccinations.

The Craven-Pamlico Animal Services Center offers low-cost rabies vaccinations for $10 during regular business hours and is open to the public. For more information, call the Craven-Pamlico Animal Services Center at 252-637-4606.

Anyone who observes an animal exhibiting unusual behavior is asked to call Craven County Animal Services at 252-639-4256.

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