Guilford County health officials have confirmed three cases of animal rabies in the first week of 2026, prompting renewed warnings to residents about avoiding wildlife and ensuring pets are properly vaccinated.

The Guilford County Health and Human Services Department announced earlier this week that a cat on Apple Wyrick Road in Gibsonville tested positive for rabies, marking the county’s first confirmed case of the year. The rabies virus was confirmed on January 5.

Since then, two additional cases have been confirmed: A raccoon on Spencer-Dixon Road in Greensboro tested positive for rabies on January 5, and a skunk on Brotherstwo Road in Colfax tested positive on January 6.

Those cases represent the second and third confirmed rabies cases in Guilford County in 2026.

County health officials said that rabies circulates within the local wildlife population year-round and domestic animals can be exposed if they come into contact with infected wildlife.

Officials are using the series of cases in the new year to remind residents of the proper precautions and actions they should take to reduce the risk of exposure.

North Carolina law requires that all domestic pets – including cats, dogs and even ferrets – be vaccinated for rabies once they reach four months of age, regardless of whether the animals live indoors or outdoors.

The county said animals kept in fenced outdoor areas are also required to have current rabies vaccinations.

Health officials emphasized that supervising pets while they are outdoors can reduce the risk of contact with wild animals and lower the likelihood of rabies exposure. Leaving pets unattended outside, particularly where wildlife may be present, increases the chance of dangerous interactions.

Residents are being urged to avoid direct contact with wildlife, whether animals appear alive or dead. People should not approach, touch, rescue or attempt to treat wildlife. Anyone who encounters a sick or injured animal is being asked to contact Animal Control rather than trying to intervene.

Animals that are displaying unnatural or unusual behavior should also be avoided.

Health officials noted that wild animals are typically not friendly, and animals that approach humans without fear might be showing signs of illness, including rabies.

Residents are also advised not to attempt to separate animals that are fighting, since doing so can result in bites or scratches. Feeding pets indoors is recommended; leaving food outside can attract stray animals and wildlife into residential yards.

Stray animals should be reported to Animal Control. In Greensboro, residents can call 336-641-5990. In High Point, residents should call 336-883-3224. County officials warned that stray animals may not have current rabies vaccinations.

If a person is bitten by any animal, whether it’s domestic or a stray, health officials advise washing the wound immediately with soap and water, seeking medical attention, and reporting the bite to local Animal Control officers as soon as possible.

Guilford County Animal Services will provide additional information about rabies prevention and vaccination requirements at 336-641-2506 or you can check out the info on  the county’s website.

County officials aren’t vaccine deniers in this matter. They said the recent cases serve as a reminder for pet owners to keep vaccinations current and for residents to exercise caution around unfamiliar animals, even in residential areas.

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