CHATHAM COUNTY, GA – The Chatham County Health Department’s Environmental Health office is alerting the community that a cat has tested positive for rabies. This is an important reminder to avoid contact with unknown animals and make sure your pets are up to date on rabies vaccinations.
An individual noticed a stray cat in poor health near Stephenson and Waters Avenues and took the cat to a veterinarian. The veterinarian contacted the Chatham County Health Department, concerned that the cat was exhibiting signs of rabies. The cat later tested positive for rabies, and the exposed individual was advised to consult their healthcare provider about post-exposure rabies treatment.
Several species of wild animals in our area can carry rabies, including cats, raccoons, foxes, and bats. Rabies is a deadly virus that is primarily spread by infected animals. The following tips can 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 services 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.
