Raccoon in north Bryan County tests positive for Rabies

ELLABELL, Ga. (WTOC) - A raccoon in Ellabell in north Bryan County has tested positive for rabies.

The Bryan County Health Department’s environmental health office is reminding all residents to avoid contact with wild animals and ensure pets are properly vaccinated against rabies.

A resident contacted the health department Monday after their family dog killed a raccoon in their backyard over the weekend.

The residence is near Interstate 16 and Highway 280 in Ellabell.

The raccoon was sent to the public health laboratory where it tested positive for rabies.

Fortunately, the dog was up to date on its rabies vaccination, and no humans were exposed to the raccoon.

Rabies is a potentially deadly virus that is primarily spread by infected animals.

The following tips can protect you and your family from rabies:

1. Avoid contact with animals you don’t know.
2. 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.
3. Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans or by leaving pet food out at night.
4. 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.
5. 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 Bryan County Animal Services at 912-851-3817 and the Bryan County Environmental Health office at 912-756-2636.