The Glynn County Health Department is looking to connect with an individual on Jekyll Island regarding an aggressive interaction between their dog and raccoon, and the potential for rabies exposure on Thursday, October 5, 2023.
A report was made to the Jekyll Island Authority about a confrontation between a Glynn County resident’s dog and a raccoon on the walking trails. The authority reported the incident to public health, but the pet owner did not provide contact information.
“The resident reported their dog was bitten on the foot. We’d really like to speak to this individual so we can better understand what happened,” said Ashley Steverson Wingate with the Glynn County Environmental Health office. “If a raccoon did bite or scratch the pet, we’d like to provide recommendations for possible follow-up care and ensure there’s no risk of the spread of rabies.”
[PNG, 370.90 KB]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. If an unknown animal ever bites or scratches you or a pet, seek medical care immediately and contact the Glynn County Health Department’s Environmental Health office at 912-279-2940 or Glynn County Animal Control at 912-554-7500.
Several species of wild animals in coastal Georgia – including raccoons, foxes, and bats – can carry rabies. Feral cats and dogs can carry rabies as well, and the public is strongly discouraged from feeding stray animals. Rabies is a potentially deadly virus that is primarily spread by infected animals.
As always, the Glynn County Health Department urges everyone to avoid contact with animals they don’t know and ensure their pets receive the proper immunizations. Dogs and cats should get rabies vaccines after 12 weeks of age, followed by a booster shot within one year and vaccination every 1-3 years depending on veterinary recommendation and vaccine used.
