Rabies resurfaces for the third time this year in Habersham County after an infected raccoon attacks a dog in Fairview.
Folks with the Habersham County Animal Care and Control (HCACC) department placed the dog in quarantine after the incident on Monday. The state declared the raccoon is rabid on Thursday and HCACC Director Madi Hawkins tells Now Habersham they need to determine the vaccination status of the dog to make sure it was protected from the deadly virus. It will remain in “home quarantine” until they’re certain it is safe.
The attack came on Monday off HWY 105 in the Fairview Community in southwest Habersham County. It is the third recorded local rabies case so far in 2015.
Rabies is most prevalent in the spring and summer as wild animals become more active. There is no cure for rabies. Once symptoms appear, an infected animal usually dies within 5 days. Rabies can be treated in humans only if they get help immediately after exposure.
Here are a few recommended ways to avoid exposure to rabies.
- Do not feed or handle wild animals, especially fox, skunk, raccoon and bats. Teach children never to touch wild animals, even dead ones. Ask them to tell an adult if they find an animal carcass.
- Vaccinate dogs and cats against rabies. All dogs and cats should have a current rabies certificate.
- Bat-proof your house. Close all outside openings larger than 3/8” in the walls, roofs, and floors. Put screens on all windows, doors and chimneys to prevent bats from entering.
- Watch for abnormal wild animal behavior. Most wild animals are not seen during the daytime. If you see one and it is acting strangely, leave it alone and contact HCACC at 706-839-0195.
You’ll find more information about rabies in Habersham County and how to protect your family and your pets from rabies at the HCACC website.
