A pet has been euthanized after being exposed to rabies in the Habersham Mills area. Habersham County Environmental Health Director Marcus Hall confirms a raccoon that bit the dog tested positive for rabies.
Habersham County Animal Care and Control Director Madi Nix said the rabid raccoon bit a large, older dog in the face in an attack on Roberts Road on September 5. The exposure was reported to officials the next day. The raccoon was shipped to a state laboratory and tested for rabies; the results came back positive, a news release issued September 16 states.
According to the release, on the advice of a veterinarian, the exposed dog was euthanized with the owner’s consent at the vet’s office.
“We don’t believe this is a rabies outbreak,” Nix said. “As far as we know, this is the only positive testing animal that had any contact with another.”
Why euthanized?
Nix explains the vet recommended euthanasia because the bite was on the dog’s face. The closer the exposure is to the brain, the higher the chance that the virus will make it there. She also says the dog had a “short lapse” in his rabies vaccination and had received his most recent shot “only a few days prior to the bite.”
Guidelines state that the rabies vaccine should be administered at least 28 days before exposure to be considered vaccinated. Despite this, the dog was tested for rabies, and Nix says that test came back negative.
The owner’s other option was to place the dog in a 45-day quarantine. However, there was some concern for the safety of family members, one of whom was scratched by the dog’s tooth while playing fetch with him.
Safety around wildlife
Nix said humans should avoid close contact with wildlife and not engage with them. She reminds everyone that just because people see nocturnal animals out during the day does not necessarily mean they are sick.
“Mommas often are out working to feed their babies,” Nix said. Residents who observe wildlife that appears sick but have had no contact with the animal should contact the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
If you or your pet come into contact with sick wildlife, call Habersham County Animal Care and Control directly at 706- 839-0496. If no one answers, leave a message. Nix says someone will call back, as the line is checked frequently.
In case of an emergency, dial 9-1-1.
This article has been updated for clarity
