Deer found in Leicester confirmed to have rabies

Health officials from the Buncombe County Department of Health and Human Services announced Friday that a deer found at Newfound Road in Leicester has been confirmed having rabies.

At this time, there is no evidence that the deer had contact with domestic animals or humans

The deer was taken to Buncombe County Animal Control on July 5, 2018. Test of the animal by the state of North Carolina The laboratory has resulted in a positive test for the rabies virus.

"Rabies is a serious disease that can be fatal without immediate treatment. Anyone who thinks they have been in contact with this deer should contact the BCHHS communicable disease at (828) 250-5109, "said Jessica Silver, Director of Environmental Health at BCHHS. To report signs of rabies in wildlife, please contact the NC Wildlife Helpline Helpline at 886-318-2401.

Rabid animals are unpredictable, aggressive and can attack people and other animals. Some signs of rabies in animals are changes in an animal's behavior, general illness, swallowing problems, increased drooling, lack of coordination, stumbling and aggression.

Wild animals with rabies can move slowly or act as if they were tame. A pet that is generally friendly can harbad you or try to bite.

Local Authorities urge residents of the area to do the following:

• Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you believe that you or your child may be in contact with the deer
• Contact your veterinarian as soon as possible if you believe that your pet has come into contact with the deer. Make sure the animals are up to date on their rabies vaccines according to North Carolina law.
• Avoid wild or unfamiliar animals: keep children and animals away from wild or unfamiliar animals, keep your animal on a leash
• If your pet comes in contact with a wild or unfamiliar animal, avoid contact with both animals.
• Contact Animal Control if you see an animal acting strangely or if you, someone else, or your pet comes into contact with a wild or unfamiliar animal. If in Buncombe County, call the Buncombe County Sheriff's Animal Control at 250-6670. If in Asheville City, call Animal Control Department of Asheville Police Department at 252-1110

If you have been bitten by an animal:

• Thoroughly clean your wound for at least 10 minutes with soap and water. Immediately contact animal control of the appropriate jurisdiction if you or your pet are bitten to help catch the animal for observation and / or rabies testing.
• Consult a physician for evaluation of the wound and any treatment.

Post-exposure vaccines can prevent disease in humans when they are initiated as soon as possible after exposure and before the onset of symptoms. If a person bitten by an animal with rabies does not get the recommended post-exposure treatment, survival is rare.

Any caregiver who cares for a person bitten by an animal must report the bite within 24 hours. If the animal is caught and tested and it does not have rabies, exposed people will not need post-exposure vaccines.

In Buncombe County, contact the BCHHS Communicable Disease at (828) 250-5109 for any questions or concerns related to the exposure.