Confirmed rabies case in Southmont; county urges pet vaccinations and reporting
Confirmed rabies case in Southmont; county urges pet vaccinations and reporting
The Davidson County Health Department has confirmed a rabies-positive feral cat in the Southmont community off Riverview Rd. It’s the county’s third confirmed case in 2025. The cat, seen in the area for several weeks and removed by Animal Control on Sept. 21, tested positive at the State Lab. Individuals with potential exposure have been notified and referred for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
County officials say they’re trapping additional feral cats in the immediate area and are mailing notices to households within a one-mile radius of the incident.
What residents should do now
Avoid contact with unfamiliar or wild animals. Don’t feed, handle, or try to rescue strays or wildlife. Rabies spreads through the saliva of an infected animal, usually via a bite or scratch. Once symptoms begin, the disease is almost always fatal without prior PEP.
Report bites and possible exposures immediately. By law in North Carolina, all animal bites (domestic or wild) must be reported to the local health department. In Davidson County, call the Health Department at 336-242-2310; for Animal Control complaints or to report a stray, call 336-249-0131.
Vaccinate your pets and keep records current. North Carolina law requires rabies vaccination for dogs, cats, and ferrets by four months of age and staying up to date thereafter.
$5 rabies shots available
The Davidson County Animal Shelter offers $5 vaccinations at 490 Glendale Rd., Lexington. Hours: Monday–Friday, 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (Saturday 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. for shelter services). Residents are encouraged to review their pets’ records and update if needed. Phone: 336-357-0805.
Why fast action matters
Rabies in people is nearly 100% fatal once symptoms start, but it’s preventable if exposed individuals receive PEP promptly—and community vaccination of pets is a key line of defense. In the U.S., wildlife like bats, skunks, raccoons, and foxes are the most frequent carriers. If you wake to find a bat in a room with a sleeping person, child, or pet, call public health for guidance even if no bite is noticed.
Media contact (county): janna.walker@davidsoncountync.gov
