A fox tested positive for the disease south of Cedartown in the Wieuca Way area.
Both organizations are encouraging all Polk County resident to make sure that their dogs and cats are current on their rabies vaccinations. State law requires that all dogs and cats be vaccinated yearly if using a one-year vaccine. Contact your local veterinarian to verify your pet’s vaccination status.
Rabies is a deadly virus that can be transmitted to humans through the saliva of an infected animal. In Georgia, rabies can be commonly found in wild animals such as bats, foxes, skunks, raccoons and also in domestic mammals. Please be on the lookout for wild animals or domestic animals behaving strangely.
Symptoms of rabies are:
· Change in behavior, including aggression, nocturnal animals seen during the day, staggering gait of lack of coordination, carrying the head in an odd manner, or circling or a repetitive action
· Inability to eat or drink
· Excessive salvation, or 'foaming at the mouth'
· The animal may just appear sick
· Actions that are uncommon to the animal, like a fox chasing cars or raccoons attacking dogs kept in a pen
If you see any of these symptoms in wild animals or in a domestic animal, please call PCAC @ 770-749-8908. If after hours, call 911.
The PCAC offers the following advice:
· Do not approach a wild animal or unfamiliar dog
· Do not shoot the animal unless defending yourself, pets or property. Do not shoot the animal in the head if avoidable—the head is what’s tested for rabies. Domestic animals will be confined for 10 days observation. Call 911 or PCAC if the animal is wild.
· Do not approach an injured animal—they are more likely to be aggressive.
If an animal has bitten you, wash the wound thoroughly and seek medical attention immediately. Contact the Polk County Health Department at 770-749-2253, PCAC, or 911. Poison Control should also be contacted for a screening or rabies treatment toll free at 800-282-5846.
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