Toccoa raccoon tests positive for rabies

A raccoon in the area of Scenic Drive and Green Valley Drive in Toccoa has tested positive for rabies.

That’s according to District 2 Public Health Information Officer Dave Palmer.

He says in 2019 alone Stephens County has had 7 positive rabies cases reported – 6 raccoons and 1 fox.

People should always avoid contact with unfamiliar dogs, cats, and wild animals.

This includes feeding or attempting to help an animal that appears injured.

Maintaining current rabies vaccinations for your pets and keeping them away from wild animals is the best way to protect them.

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. The most common carriers of rabies in the United States are raccoon, skunks, coyotes, foxes and bats.

Exposure to rabies is treatable by prompt care to the wound and appropriate post-exposure medicines. Prompt medical attention is very important, as rabies is almost always fatal without it.

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.

There is no better time than now to ensure that all your pets are currently vaccinated.

For more information about rabies, ask your veterinarian, local health department or go to the website http://dph.georgia.gov/rabies.

If you see a wild animal acting strangely, avoid the animal and contact the DNR Ranger Hotline at 1-800-241-4113.