Rabies-positive raccoon found near Ferguson Avenue and Diamond Causeway

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - The Chatham County Health Department’s Environmental Health office is alerting the community that a raccoon has tested positive for rabies near Ferguson Avenue and Diamond Causeway.

A resident contacted Chatham County Animal Services on July 2 after a dog killed the raccoon in that area. The raccoon was sent to a public health laboratory and tested positive for rabies on July 7.

Dog in quarantine; owner being sought

Officials said the dog involved is in quarantine with animal services while the agency works to locate the owner. Officials said there was no known human exposure to the infected raccoon.

Rabies risks and prevention

Health officials said raccoons, foxes, and bats are among the wild animal species in the area that can carry rabies. Rabies is a potentially deadly virus spread primarily by infected animals.

The Chatham County Health Department offered the following prevention tips:

• Avoid contact with animals you don’t know.
• Make sure pets receive proper immunizations. Dogs and cats should receive rabies vaccines after 12 weeks of age, followed by a booster shot within one year and vaccination every one to three years depending on veterinary recommendation and vaccine used.
• Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans or by leaving pet food out at night.
• Do not adopt wild animals or bring them into your home. Do not attempt to nurse sick animals to health. Contact animal services or a licensed animal rescue agency for assistance.
• Teach children never to handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly.

Symptoms and who to contact

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.

Anyone bitten by an animal should seek medical care immediately and contact Chatham County Animal Services at 912-652-6575 and the Chatham County Environmental Health office at 912-356-2160.