Four animals, including cats and dogs, have tested positive for rabies in Bulloch and neighboring counties in recent days, the Southeast Health District says. The district called the occurrence very high and advises people who are bitten or scratched to contact their local health department.
Rabies is a deadly virus that is mainly spread by infected animals. The district says it can circulate among wild and domesticated animals in Southeast Georgia, including raccoons, foxes and bats.
Protect people and pets
Avoid contact with unfamiliar animals, and do not feed or handle wildlife. Keep garbage secured and bring pet food inside at night to avoid attracting wild animals. Do not bring wild animals into your home or try to treat sick animals; contact animal control or a properly licensed animal rescue agency for help. Children should be taught not to touch unfamiliar animals, whether wild or domestic.
Dogs and cats should receive a rabies vaccine by four months of age, followed by a booster one year later. After that, a veterinarian should prescribe boosters every one to three years.
Possible rabies signs in animals include behavior changes, biting, aggression, lack of fear of natural enemies such as people, foaming at the mouth and paralysis. Anyone bitten by an animal should seek medical care immediately and report the bite to their local health department.
Yolonda Harris
News Now Georgia
