Rabies in Haywood County

A racoon attacked a dog in Haywood County, and now the county is confirming its first rabies case this year.

Authorities say on Monday, the rabid racoon went after a dog in the Clyde area, near the Shook House Museum. The dog's owner killed the racoon, which later tested positive for rabies.

Animal Control officers urge everyone within three miles of the museum to keep pets on their property, and make sure their rabies vaccines are current.

Beginning on Monday, May 13, Haywood County Animal Control and the Haywood County Health Department will sponsor a week-long series of Rabies Clinics to encourage citizens to get their pets vaccinated. The clinics will be held May 12-16 at the following locations:

Canton Middle School - Monday, May 12th
Jonathan Valley School - Tuesday, May 13th
Hazelwood Elementary School - Wednesday, May 14th
Bethel Middle School - Thursday, May 15th
Riverbend Elementary School - Friday, May 16th

The cost per vaccine is $6. The clinics will be held from 5-6:30 p.m. In addition, many Haywood County veterinarians will offer rabies shots for $6 during normal business hours on each of the clinic days.

For more information on rabies in Haywood County, please contact Animal Control at 456-5338 or the county Health Department at 452-6675.