The Cleveland County Health Department announced Tuesday that a raccoon found in Lawndale tested positive for rabies.

The raccoon is the first rabid animal identified in Cleveland County this year. The animal was found on JM Lane.

Any person bitten or exposed to potentially infectious saliva from the raccoon should contact their healthcare provider or the Cleveland County Health Department at 980-484-5100 for a rabies assessment.

Rabies is a fatal but preventable disease if post-exposure prophylaxis is administered. Rabies is transmitted by the bite of an infected animal or via contamination of open wounds or mucus membranes with potentially infectious material such as saliva.

The spread of rabies can be prevented. Prevention requires vaccination of animals against rabies and appropriate management of animals and individuals who have been exposed to rabies.

Here�s are five tips to help prevent rabies:

1. Vaccinate pets: In accordance with North Carolina law, all dogs, cats, and ferrets must be kept currently vaccinated against rabies and must wear a rabies tag. Cats are the most commonly identified domestic animal with rabies.

2. Get a follow up booster shot for pets exposed to rabies: If pets are exposed to rabies, they should receive a booster dose of rabies vaccine if they are currently vaccinated at the time of exposure. If pets are not currently vaccinated against rabies when exposed, the animals will be euthanized or quarantined for six months in accordance with state law.

3. Seek medical attention: If you are exposed to rabies, please seek medical guidance from your healthcare provider or the local health department.

4. Limit stray and feral animals: In Cleveland County, the cities of Shelby, Kings Mountain, Boiling Springs and Grover require all dogs to be kept on a leash. Individuals should not approach stray or feral dogs or cats. Feral cat colonies should be intensively monitored and their location reported to Cleveland County Animal Control at 704-481-9884.

5. Do not pet or catch wildlife alone: Raccoons and other wildlife serve as carriers of rabies in North Carolina. They are not pets and should be left alone.

Rabies occurs throughout North Carolina. Anyone who sees an animal demonstrating unusual behavior needs to call Cleveland County Animal Control Department at 704-481-9884.