Raccoon tests positive for rabies in Chatham County

POOLER, Ga. (WTOC) - A raccoon found in Pooler has tested positive for rabies, according to the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH).

The DPH said a resident called Chatham County Animal Services on Oct. 21 after a raccoon attacked a family dog in a residential area near the I-16 and I-95 interchange. Animal services found the raccoon, which tested positive for rabies.

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

The Georgia DPH is reminding residents that Chatham County is home to several animal species that can carry rabies, including raccoons, foxes and bats.

Rabies has the potential to be deadly and is most often spread by infected animals. Health officials offer the following tips to protect yourself and family pets:

• Avoid contact with animals you do not know.
• Make sure pets are up to date on vaccinations. Dogs and cats should get rabies shots after 12 weeks of age, followed by regular booster shots.
• Do not handle or feed wild animals.
• Avoid attracting wild animals by securing garbage cans and removing pet food left outside overnight.
• Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home.
• Teach children to never handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic.

Symptoms of rabies in animals may include a change in behavior, biting, aggression, foaming at the mouth, lack of fear of natural enemies and paralysis.

If an animal bites you, seek medical care immediately and contract Chatham County Animal Services at 912-652-6575.