Rabid Wildlife Confirmed in Greensboro and Colfax, Officials Warn

Guilford County health officials reported that a raccoon found on Spencer-Dixon Road in Greensboro tested positive for rabies on Monday, and a skunk on Brotherstwo Road in Colfax tested positive on Tuesday. These animals represent the second and third confirmed animal rabies cases in the county so far in 2026.

Rabies is nearly always fatal once symptoms develop, but it is preventable with timely action. State law requires all domestic pets aged four months or older to be vaccinated against rabies, and animals confined in outdoor fenced areas should also have current vaccinations. Supervising pets when they are outdoors and keeping food indoors can reduce contact between pets and wild animals that carry the virus.

Public health implications extend beyond individual households. Exposure can lead to costly and time-sensitive medical treatment, strain emergency services, and create public anxiety in neighborhoods where wildlife and people interact closely. For residents who work multiple jobs, lack transportation, or face financial constraints, obtaining veterinary care or post-exposure medical care can be difficult. These structural barriers heighten the need for accessible county services and proactive outreach to communities at higher risk of wildlife contact.

If a person is bitten by an animal, wash the wound immediately with soap and water, seek medical attention, and report the bite to local Animal Control officers. Residents in Greensboro can report sick or injured animals to Animal Control at 336-641-5990. High Point residents should call 336-883-3224. For more information on rabies prevention and county services, contact Guilford County Animal Services at 336-641-2506 or visit their website.

Households can take practical steps to lower the risk of exposure: avoid direct contact with wildlife, do not approach or try to handle wild animals whether dead or alive, and do not try to separate fighting animals. Report stray animals to the numbers above so Animal Control can determine vaccination status and reduce community risk. Feeding pets indoors and supervising them while outside also helps prevent encounters that could lead to bites or virus transmission.

These confirmed cases serve as a reminder that rabies prevention relies on coordinated action between public health agencies, animal services, veterinarians, and residents. Ensuring affordable access to pet vaccination clinics, maintaining clear reporting lines for animal bites, and targeted outreach in vulnerable neighborhoods will be essential to protect people and animals across Guilford County as officials monitor the situation.