Gwinnett County officials are advising residents to continue to use caution and avoid animals behaving unusually after a second raccoon tested positive for the rabies virus.
According to a press release from Gwinnett County Animal Welfare and Enforcement, dogs attacked a raccoon on April 16 at 517 Buford Highway in Buford. The raccoon was collected by Gwinnett Animal Welfare and Enforcement and tested the same day.
This comes after a rabid raccoon was found in the area on March 28.
Foxes, raccoons and other wild animals carry diseases like rabies that can spread to people and pets through a bite or scratch.
Officials ask all pet owners to ensure that their pets are current on the 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.
If you or your child have been bitten or scratched by any stray animals or an animal that is suspected to have rabies, preventive treatment for rabies is necessary. Immediately seek medical care and let them know you were exposed. Then, contact the Gwinnett County Health Department at 770-339-4260 and ask for the epidemiologist on call.
To report the animal and have it picked up, please call the Gwinnett Animal Welfare and Enforcement Bite Office at 770-339-3200 ext. 5576; after hours, contact Dispatch non-emergency at 770-513-5700.
Gwinnett Animal Welfare and Enforcement will be investigating whether there’s any further threat in the area.
