Georgia Coastal Health District

February 10, 2014 – Glynn County Health Department officials are encouraging residents to be aware of unusual behavior in wildlife after a Glynn County resident spotted a fox acting strangely in the Scranton Connector area of Brunswick. The fox has not been located so it is not known whether or not the animal is rabid; however, unusual behavior is one of the symptoms of rabies.
“This is a good time to remind people to stay away from wild animals because they could be harmful,” said Glynn County Environmental Health Manager, Bill Jenkins. “It is especially important that parents and caregivers explain this to children.”
Rabies is a potentially deadly virus that is primarily spread by infected animals. Many animals commonly found in southeast Georgia, including foxes and raccoons, may carry the rabies virus. Residents should avoid contact with wild or stray animals, watch for unusual behavior in pets and wildlife, and get pets vaccinated against rabies. 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.
The Glynn County Health Department offers these tips to protect you and your family from rabies:
• Avoid contact with animals you don’t know.
• Make sure your pets receive the proper immunizations. Dogs and cats should get rabies vaccines by four months of age, followed by a booster shot one year later, and another one every one or three years depending on the type of vaccine used.
• Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans or by leaving pet food out at night.
• Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home. Do not try to nurse sick animals to health. Call animal control or a properly licensed animal rescue agency for assistance.
• 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.
If an animal ever bites you, seek medical care immediately. In addition, if you ever spot an animal acting suspiciously, please contact Glynn County Animal Control at 912-554-7500 and the Glynn County Health Department Environmental Health Division at 912-279-2940.