Rabies Identified in Racoon in Eastanollee

A raccoon in the area of Freeman Creek Road recently tested positive for rabies, according to information received yesterday from the District 2 Public Health Office. The District 2 office serves a 13-county region in Northeast Georgia, including Stephens County. 

The notice regarding the recent positive rabies test provides no details on the specific incident, but does note that 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.

District 2 Public Information Officer Bobby Ward notes that “encounters between wild animals and domestic pets, including some that involve people, sometimes occur in our area. Incidents of exposure are common but can be prevented if residents take precautions to protect themselves and their pets.”

Advice from 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.

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 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.

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.