Positive rabies case confirmed on Roberts Road outside Clarkesville; SCHS Rabies, Vaccine Clinic Sept. 28

Habersham County Environmental Health Director Marcus Hall has confirmed that a raccoon that had contact with a pet in the Habersham Mills area has tested positive for rabies.

Habersham County Animal Care and Control Director Madi Nix said a large, older dog was bitten in the face Sept. 5 by the raccoon on Roberts Road.The exposure was reported to officials on Sept. 6 and the animal was shipped for testing at the state laboratory.

Results of that test have come back positive.

On the advice of a veterinarian, the exposed dog was euthanized with owner consent at the vet’s office.

NOTE: The Stephens County Humane Shelter will be hosting a rabies and vaccine clinic on Saturday, Sept. 28, from 9 a.m. to noon at the shelter, 1747 Scenic Drive in Toccoa. 1 year rabies shots will be $15, DAPPV shots for dogs are $15, Bordetella shots are $10, HCPCH shots for cats will be $10 and microchipping will be available for $20. All cats must be in carriers and all dogs must be on leash. 

 For more information, contact the shelter at (706) 282-3275 

Regarding the Habersham case on Sept. 6, Nix said, “We don’t believe this is a rabies outbreak. As far as we know, this is the only positive testing animal that had any contact with another.”

Nix said humans should avoid close contact with wildlife and not engage.

She reminds everyone that just because people see nocturnal animals out during the day does not necessarily mean they are sick, saying “Mommas often are out working to feed their babies.”

The last reported case of rabies in Stephens County was in January, when a raccoon in the area of Freeman Creek Road tested positive for rabies.

According to the District 2 Public Health Office, which serves a 13-county region in Northeast Georgia, including Stephens County. rabies is a viral infection transmitted in the saliva of infected mammals. Rabies is transmitted when the virus is introduced into bite wounds, open cuts in the skin, or onto mucous membranes, such as the eyes or mouth.

The rabies virus enters the central nervous system of the host causing an inflammation of the brain that is almost always fatal. Wildlife remains the most common source of infection for both humans and domestic animals in the United States since the most common carriers of Rabies are raccoons, skunks, coyotes, foxes, and bats.

Public health officials become involved in animal cases where exposure or potential exposure to rabies occurs. The role of public health is to ensure that domestic animals are vaccinated against rabies and to ensure the public is educated and informed about Rabies. In many counties, public health is also responsible for collecting specimens from suspected rabid animals and coordinating testing of the specimen with the state lab. Additionally, public health officials notify individuals who have been exposed to risks and inform them of the need to seek medical care.

Rabies in humans can be prevented by eliminating exposures to rabid animals or by providing exposed persons prompt medical treatment. Post-exposure vaccine can be found at all the major hospitals within District 2 and information about vaccine assistance programs can be obtained from your local Environmental Health Office.

Advice from District 2 Public Information Officer Bobby Ward includes maintaining current rabies vaccinations for pets and keeping them away from wild animals, and it is recommended that people always avoid contact with unfamiliar dogs, cats, and wild animals. This includes feeding or attempting to help an animal that appears injured. Also, for pets that are fed outside, it is recommended that uneaten pet food be stored securely so wild animals, including feral cats, will not be attracted to the property. 

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources has rigid regulations that prohibit the keeping of wild animals. If you see a wild animal acting strangely, avoid the animal and contact the DNR Ranger Hotline at: 1-800-241-4113.

There is no better time than now to ensure that all your pets are currently vaccinated. Rabies prevention facts can be found at https://phdistrict2.org/. For more information about rabies, ask your veterinarian, local health department or go to https://dph.georgia.gov/environmental-health/rabies.

Also, the Stephens County Humane Shelter will be hosting a rabies and vaccine clinic on Saturday, Sept. 28, from 9 a.m. to noon at the shelter, 1747 Scenic Drive in Toccoa. 1 year rabies shots will be $15, DAPPV shots for dogs are $15, Bordetella shots are $10, HCPCH shots for cats will be $10 and microchipping will be available for $20. All cats must be in carriers and all dogs must be on leash. 

 For more information, contact the shelter at (706) 282-3275