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ZEBULON - Two rabid raccoons have been found in Pike County over the past couple of weeks. Pike residents need to be on the lookout for animals that are acting strangely such as raccoons or other nocturnal animals that are out during the daylight hours and call 911 if there is a possible problem with a rabid animal.
The first was killed by a homeowner’s dogs on Eppinger Bridge Road in Concord after the raccoon crawled over a fence into their pen. These dogs were up to date on their rabies shots and the owner will hold them under quarantine for a period of time in order to monitor their behavior. Ben Trotter, Environmental Health County Manager for Pike and Upson Counties, advised Pike County’s Animal Control Officer David Allen that a second raccoon has tested positive for rabies at 142 Oak Grove Path in North Pike County.
The homeowner’s notified authorities after the raccoon attacked their pet miniature poodle. The poodle was slightly bruised and injured, but the veterinarian who examined it said that there were no suspected bite wounds. Trotter advised the dog owner to quarantine the dog for 6 months.
Rabies can occur in skunks, raccoons, coyotes, foxes and bats according to the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s website. Wild animals with rabies sometimes infect dogs, cats, and livestock. State law requires the vaccination of dogs, cats, and ferrets against rabies on a yearly basis.
If you notice any animals acting strangely or aggressively, do not approach them and call 911. If an animal suspected of rabies is killed, the head is must be preserved so it can be sent off for testing.
For more information about rabies, click here.