A coyote tested positive for rabies yesterday after three incidents in Buford on December 26 and 27. During the first incident, a resident and a dog were injured in an attack near Holland Park Drive. Additional attacks involving two residents and another dog occurred at 6:00 am and 6:30 am on December 27 near Wyncliff Court and Bennies Way in Buford.
Diseases like rabies can be transmitted to humans and pets through bites or scratches from wild animals such as foxes and raccoons. We advise residents to use caution and avoid animals behaving in unusual ways.
All pet owners should ensure that their pets are current on rabies vaccination. According to the National Association of State Health Veterinarians, unvaccinated dogs and cats exposed to a rabid animal must be strictly quarantined for four months and vaccinated one month prior to being released.
Rabies can be transmitted through bites and scratches from wild animals, like coyotes and raccoons. According to the CDC, the rabies virus is almost always fatal in humans if untreated. Early symptoms of rabies in people include fever, headache, and general weakness or discomfort.
If you or your child has been bitten or scratched by a stray animal or an animal suspected of having rabies, seek medical care immediately and inform the health care provider of the exposure. Next, contact GNR Public Health at 770.339.4260 and ask for the epidemiologist on call. Pet owners should also ensure that their pet’s rabies vaccination is up to date.
To report the animal and have it picked up, please call our Bite Office at 770.339.3200 ext. 5576; after hours, contact Dispatch non-emergency at 770.513.5700.
Views: 15
