Rabies Case Confirmed in Davidson County
Rabies Case Confirmed in Davidson County
The Davidson County Health Department has confirmed a positive case of rabies following an incident that occurred late last week near NC Highway 150 in Linwood. This marks the sixth confirmed rabies case in Davidson County in 2025.
According to reports provided to the Health Department, a stray dog had recently been abandoned near a residence on Highway 150 and was being temporarily housed in an outdoor kennel. The homeowner discovered the dog being attacked by a skunk and subsequently shot the skunk before contacting Davidson County Animal Control. The skunk was sent to the North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health for rabies testing, and results received on November 18, 2025, confirmed the presence of the rabies virus.
The stray dog was taken to the Davidson County Animal Shelter and quarantined while awaiting test results.
Due to the dog’s unknown vaccination history and confirmed exposure to rabies, the animal was humanely euthanized in accordance with state public health guidelines.
Rabies is a serious and potentially fatal virus. The Davidson County Health Department urges all pet owners to ensure their animals are up to date on rabies vaccinations. If you see an unfamiliar or wild animal near or around your home, contact Animal Control for assistance. Monitor pets and children while they are outdoors, as the rabies virus is spread through saliva of an infected animal. The rabies virus is 99.9% fatal in humans who do not seek immediate post-exposure treatment.
Public Health Guidance
• Avoid contact with wild or stray animals. Do not feed, handle, or approach animals you do not know.
• Report exposures immediately. All animal bites—domestic or wild—must be reported to the health
department by law.
• Vaccinate pets. North Carolina law requires that all dogs, cats, and ferrets be vaccinated for rabies by four months of age and remain up to date. The Davidson County Animal Shelter provides low-cost rabies vaccinations at 490 Glendale Road, Lexington, NC, Monday–Friday.
For more information visit: https://www.co.davidson.nc.us/149/Animal-Shelter
For media inquiries related to the press release contact: janna.walker@davidsoncountync.gov.
