A feral cat in Savannah has tested positive for rabies. On February 11, the cat was discovered on Montgomery St. near the old fairgrounds at 62nd St. in Savannah. An individual was scratched on the leg while attempting to put the sick/injured cat into a carrier.
Once the cat was successfully placed into the carrier, it was brought to Chatham County Animal Services (CCAS) for treatment. The individual advised CCAS that the cat was acting “drunk.” Due to the cat’s condition, CCAS determined it was best to euthanize the cat and have it tested for rabies. The individual has been notified of the results and is starting post-rabies exposure treatment.
Rabies is a deadly virus that is primarily spread by infected animals. This is an important reminder that rabies can circulate in several species of wild animals in coastal Georgia, including raccoons, foxes, and bats. Residents are urged not to feed wild animals or attempt to domesticate feral cats, and pet owners are reminded to ensure their animals get regular rabies shots.
The Chatham County Health Department’s Environmental Health office has 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 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.
- 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.
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 animal ever bites you, 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.
