News: Residents Reminded to Avoid Wild Animals
August 6, 2008
CAMDEN CO., GA— The Camden County Health Department encourages all residents to take proper precautions against rabies. Rabies is a deadly virus that can be passed to humans by animals, and raccoons are the primary reservoirs for the disease in the U.S.
Rabies is almost always fatal if an infected person isn’t treated immediately.
“Residents need to avoid contact with wild or stray animals, and get their pets vaccinated against rabies,” says Bill Jenkins, Environmental Health Director of the Camden County Health Department. “If a pet comes in contact with a rabid animal and contracts the virus, that pet could pass the disease to humans too. That’s why pet vaccination is an important line of defense.”
The Camden County Health Department offers these tips to protect you and your family from rabies:
• Do NOT handle, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans or by leaving pet food out overnight.
• Never bring wild animals into your home. Call Animal Control or an animal rescue agency for assistance.
• Teach children to NEVER handle unfamiliar animals – wild or domestic – even if they appear friendly.
• Keep vaccinations up to date for all dogs, cats, and ferrets. It’s the law – and it’s an important protection for you and your pets.
Call the Camden County Animal Control at 576-7395 to report any animals showing suspicious behavior. Animal Control will work with the Camden County Health Department to investigate possible cases of rabies. If an animal ever bites you, seek medical care immediately.
WWW Address: http://www.gachd.org/news/residents_reminded_to_stay_awa.php