news-record.com

GREENSBORO - Rabies has been a persistent problem in Guilford County for the past few summers. Last year the county had 23 confirmed cases of the fatal disease in animals, the second-most of any of the state's 100 counties. The year before, Guilford set a historic high of 37 cases.

So far this year, there have been more than a dozen cases - not unusually high, according to public health officials. But if there is going to be a surge, officials warn, now is the time.

"Summer and fall mean more outdoor time and more open windows - and more chances for people to come in contact with wildlife, including flying bats," warns a news release from the state's Department of Health and Human Services this week.

Bats were Guilford County's second-most infected animal in 2006.

Statewide, however, rabies is most often found in raccoons, skunks and foxes - animals that often come into contact with humans and pets.

According to the DHHS, the few human cases of rabies in the U.S. were traced to bats. Bat bites can be difficult to detect and may not wake those sleeping outdoors, in a tent or cabin or near open windows.

Health officials warn against handling any animal that may be rabid and urge the public to call animal control if they suspect an animal is rabid.

The department reports that 239 rabid animals were identified in 56 counties in North Carolina during the first six months of 2006. Of those cases, the most heartbreaking can be in household pets not vaccinated against the disease. If an animal is infected and develops rabies, the law requires they be quarantined at the owner's expense or euthanized. If the animal develops rabies, it must be euthanized.

"There are more than 100,000 pets that haven't been vaccinated in Guilford County," said Sharon Gray, executive director of Animal Rescue & Foster Program in Greensboro. "Some of it is ignorance. People just don't know to do it. Sometimes they can't afford it, or don't know where they can get their pet vaccinated without having to have a bunch of other things done."

Gray's program is looking to educate pet owners - and vaccinate their pets - during World Rabies Day on Saturday, Sept. 27. Gray said they're aiming to vaccinate 750 animals for free, with a low-cost spay and neuter clinic and $15 pet microchipping also available. The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Glenwood Community Center at 2010 Coliseum Blvd.

Contact Joe Killian at 883-4422, Ext. 228, or jkillian@news-record.com