Guilford County health officials have reported the fifth confirmed case of animal rabies in 2026. The Guilford County Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health announced that a skunk found on NC 61S in Whitsett tested positive for rabies on January 30.
According to state law, all domestic pets such as cats, dogs, and ferrets that are four months or older must be vaccinated against rabies, regardless of whether they live indoors or outdoors. Pets kept in outdoor fenced areas should also have up-to-date vaccinations. Supervising pets while they are outside can help prevent encounters with wild animals and reduce the risk of exposure to rabies.
The department advises residents to avoid direct contact with wildlife, whether dead or alive. “Do not approach, try to play with, touch, rescue or treat any wildlife. If you find a sick or injured animal, contact Animal Control at 336-641-5990,” the statement said. Residents are also warned not to interact with animals displaying unnatural behavior and not to attempt separating fighting animals.
Officials recommend feeding pets indoors because leaving food outside may attract other animals into residential areas. Stray animals should be reported to Animal Control at 336-641-5990 in Greensboro and 336-883-3224 in High Point since these animals may lack current vaccinations.
“If a person is bitten by an animal (domestic or stray), wash the bitten area immediately with soap and water, seek medical attention, and report the bite to local Animal Control Officers,” the release stated.
For more information about rabies prevention measures, residents can contact Guilford County Animal Services at 336-641-2506 or visit their website. Questions regarding current rabies cases can be directed to Jorge Ortega at 336-641-3409 or jortega1@guilfordcountync.gov.
In related education data from Guilford County school districts during the 2022–23 academic year: about one-fifth of senior students taking the science portion of the ACT were considered college-ready according to state education reports. Similar rates were observed among juniors for science readiness as well as math readiness for both grade levels (source). Reading readiness was slightly higher but still under one-third for seniors and juniors (source).
Rabies remains present throughout local wildlife year-round. The public is encouraged to follow preventive steps outlined by county officials.
