Liberty County Well being Division Points Rabies Alert

The Liberty County Well being Division is alerting residents {that a} bobcat in Halfway has examined constructive for rabies. This is a crucial reminder to keep away from contact with unfamiliar animals and hold pets updated on rabies vaccination.

On April twenty fourth, a person was attacked by a bobcat close to Cay Creek Street in Halfway. The bobcat examined constructive for the rabies virus and the person is receiving follow-up medical care.

Rabies is a lethal virus primarily unfold via the chew or scratch of an contaminated animal. In coastal Georgia, rabies can flow into in wildlife comparable to raccoons, foxes, and bats. Residents are urged to not feed or try and cultivate wild animals or feral cats. Pet homeowners ought to guarantee their pets keep present on rabies vaccinations.

To guard your self and your loved ones from rabies, the Liberty County Well being Division’s Environmental Well being workplace presents the next suggestions:

• Keep away from contact with animals you don’t know.
• Be sure that your pets obtain the right immunizations. Canine and cats ought to get rabies vaccines after 12 weeks of age, adopted by a booster shot inside one 12 months and vaccination each 1-3 years relying on veterinary advice.
• Don’t deal with, feed, or unintentionally appeal to wild animals with open rubbish cans or by leaving pet meals out at evening.
• By no means undertake wild animals or carry them into your house. Don’t attempt to nurse sick animals to well being. Name animal management or a correctly licensed animal rescue company for help.
• Train kids to by no means deal with unfamiliar animals, wild or home, even when they seem pleasant. “Love your personal, go away different animals alone” is an effective precept for kids to study.

Signs of rabies in animals embody a change in conduct, biting, aggression, exhibiting no worry of pure enemies (comparable to people), foaming on the mouth, and paralysis. If an animal ever bites you, search medical care instantly and phone Liberty County Animal Providers at 912-876-9191 and the Liberty County Well being Division Environmental Well being workplace at 912-368-5520.