Rabies Activity Continues Across Southeastern North Carolina in 2026 as CDC Issues National Advisory

By Coastal Carolina News Staff Writer

September 12, 2026

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a national rabies advisory earlier this month, citing increased human exposure evaluations across several states and highlighting North Carolina’s recent goat‑related incident as one of the year’s largest.

While the advisory drew attention to the mass‑exposure investigation involving rabid baby goats, routine wildlife‑associated rabies activity continues across southeastern North Carolina.

Columbus, Bladen, and Brunswick counties have each reported sporadic rabies cases in 2026, consistent with long‑term regional patterns.

Columbus County documented at least one confirmed rabid raccoon and multiple bat‑related calls that resulted in testing or precautionary guidance.

Bladen County reported typical wildlife positives, including a rabid raccoon, fox and rabid bat investigations, along with seasonal bat encounters.

Brunswick County continues to see steady activity involving raccoons and foxes, with occasional bat testing similar to prior years.

None of the three counties have reported large human‑exposure events this year.

Elsewhere in the state, Mecklenburg County has confirmed eight rabid animals in 2026, including bats, raccoons, a fox, a coyote, and a domestic feline. Raleigh officials confirmed a rabid bat found at Shelley Lake earlier this summer, marking the city’s 3rd positive animal of the year.

North Carolina averages roughly 300 rabid animals annually, with skunks, raccoons, foxes, and bats representing the most common carriers.

State and federal health officials emphasize that this year’s non‑goat cases remain consistent with expected wildlife patterns. The CDC advisory underscores the importance of prompt reporting, proper post‑exposure evaluation, and maintaining current rabies vaccinations for pets.

Residents are urged to avoid contact with wildlife and report any suspected exposures to local health departments. Rabies continues to circulate in wild animal populations statewide, and timely response remains the most effective protection against human infection.

© 2026 CoastalCarolinaNews.com. All rights reserved.