In DeKalb County, Georgia, a recent incident has raised concerns about wildlife health. A raccoon was found to have rabies this past Wednesday. The discovery came after the animal was no longer alive, found on Luxuria Court in Tucker. This situation took a turn when it was revealed that the raccoon had been involved in an altercation with a local cat earlier. Fortunately, the cat survived the encounter and is in good health.
Rabies is a known issue in Georgia, as the state often reports several cases each year. However, officials reassure the public that this is a normal occurrence and there’s no need for alarm. Given rabies’ presence in the state, there are proactive steps residents can take to minimize risks. These include ensuring pets are vaccinated against rabies, avoiding leaving food outside that could attract wild animals, and securing trash cans to prevent access.
If anyone experiences a bite or scratch from an animal, it’s crucial to seek medical help immediately. Monitoring pets for unusual behavior is also advised, as is ensuring they are vaccinated annually. DeKalb County requires pet owners to vaccinate their pets yearly and to register their vaccination tag with the local animal control.
For those needing more information or needing to report an animal bite, DeKalb County Animal Control is available. They can be reached at 404-294-2996 during business hours from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or at 404-294-2519 for after-hours emergencies.