Raccoons in two different areas of Chatham County have tested positive for rabies. The first, on Talahi Island, was approached by neighborhood children who thought the animal looked sick and tried to feed it to make it feel better. The second, in Pooler, was observed acting strangely and neighbors called police. A family dog attacked and killed the raccoon before authorities arrived. The dog is up-to-date on rabies vaccinations.
Environmental Health officials want to reiterate how important it is to talk to children about staying away from animals they don’t know, either wild or domestic. In addition, residents are encouraged to calling the Chatham County Environmental Health division at 356-2160 or Chatham County Animal Control at 525-2408 if they see any animal exhibiting abnormal behavior. 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.
Several species of wild animals that are native to coastal Georgia – including raccoons, foxes, and bats – can carry rabies. Rabies is a potentially deadly virus that is primarily spread by infected animals. The Chatham County Health Department Environmental Health Division offers these tips to 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 by four months of age, followed by a booster shot one year later, and another one every year as prescribed by your veterinarian.
- 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 control 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.
