Local Impact Spotlight:
- Raccoon in Pooler tested positive for rabies after attacking a family dog near the I-16/I-95 interchange.
- The bitten dog was current on its rabies vaccination, received a booster, and no humans were exposed.
- Health officials urge avoiding wild animals, vaccinating pets, and calling animal services for sick or aggressive wildlife.
A raccoon in Pooler in west Chatham County has tested positive for rabies. The Chatham County Health Department’s environmental health office reminds all residents to avoid contact with wild animals and ensure pets are properly vaccinated against rabies.
On October 21st, a resident contacted Chatham County Animal Services after a raccoon attacked their family dog in a residential area near the I-16 and I-95 interchange. Animal services picked up the raccoon, which tested positive for rabies. Fortunately, the dog was up to date on its rabies vaccination and has received a booster vaccine, and no humans were exposed to the raccoon.
This incident is a reminder that several species of wild animals in our area can carry rabies, including raccoons, foxes, and bats. Rabies is a potentially deadly virus that is primarily spread by infected animals. The following tips can protect you and your family from rabies:
- Avoid contact with animals you don’t know.
- Make sure your pets receive the proper immunizations. Dogs and cats should get rabies vaccines after 12 weeks of age, followed by a booster shot within one year and vaccination every 1-3 years depending on veterinary recommendation and vaccine used.
- Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans or by leaving pet food out at night.
- Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home. Do not try to nurse sick animals to health. Call animal services or a properly licensed animal rescue agency for assistance.
- Teach children to never handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly. “Love your own, leave other animals alone” is a good principle for children to learn.
Symptoms of rabies in animals include a change in behavior, biting, aggression, showing no fear of natural enemies (such as humans), foaming at the mouth, and paralysis. If an animal ever bites you, seek medical care immediately and contact Chatham County Animal Services at 912-652-6575 and the Chatham County Environmental Health office at 912-356-2160.
Read more from the original source
