A rabid raccoon attacked a dog in Pitt County this week, the third confirmed rabid raccoon case in the county this year. I read the official notice from WITN Greenville, which reported the attack and confirmed the county’s tally.
The attack happened on a residential property, and the dog has been placed under quarantine after the encounter. Pitt County Animal Control responded to the scene. The raccoon was tested and returned a positive result for rabies. Earlier cases this year were also raccoons, all within the county.
What this means for homeowners
Raccoons are common carriers of rabies in North Carolina, and a daytime appearance or aggressive behavior can signal infection. I compared the three cases and found no obvious geographic cluster, which means any part of the county could see a rabid animal. If you own a dog, keep its rabies vaccination current , North Carolina law requires it, and a current shot is the best protection if a pet is bitten.
Raccoons that approach pets or act disoriented should be avoided entirely. I have a practical guide titled Are Raccoons Dangerous to Humans? that covers the risks from rabies, raccoon roundworm, and injuries from claws or teeth. For deterrence, a motion light can help, and I explain how in my article Do Motion Sensor Lights Keep Raccoons Away?. Neither method replaces a professional response if you see a raccoon that seems sick or fearless.
WITN Greenville confirmed the details of this case.
The notice is published by WITN Greenville at www.witn.com.
