ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – A fox that wrestled with a dog in Griffin last Monday has tested positive for rabies, according to the Spalding County Health Department.
Authorities say the encounter happened in the Ivy Road area. The dog's condition is currently unknown.
Spalding County Environmental Health Manager Kelly Wilson said the incident is a warning to area residents to be on the lookout for animals acting strangely.
“If you notice a wild or nocturnal animal moving around during the day and the animal does not seem to be afraid of humans or has unusual behavior that makes it seem ill, the animal may be infected with rabies,” she said. “So people should avoid the animal and report it to their local health department or animal control.”
Rabies is a central nervous system infection that is almost always fatal in humans if untreated. Usually transmitted by a bite, symptoms begin with fever and headache, progressing to confusion, hallucinations and excessive salivation.
Spalding County officials encourage anyone who sees an animal they suspect may have rabies to call Animal Control at (770) 229-9911 or the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division at (800) 366-2661. If the animal has come into contact with people or pets, call Animal Control or the Spalding County Environmental Health Office immediately at (770) 467-4230.
Georgia law requires owners to vaccinate their dogs, cats, and ferrets, and pets bitten by a suspected rabid animal may be required to be quarantined for 10 days.
Click here to learn more about rabies.
Copyright 2024 WANF. All rights reserved.
