A cat that was caught overnight on Jan. 29 near the intersection of Atlanta Highway and McFarland Parkway in Alpharetta has tested positive for rabies.
“The resident brought the cat into the Pet Resource Center, and it suffered a medical complication that was consistent with an animal presenting with Rabies,” Forsyth County Animal Services Manager Haley Brown said. “The prompt observation and testing yielded a positive result, and we encourage others to come forward if their animals are symptomatic.”
Public health officials will alert individuals who have been exposed to potential risks and advise them to seek medical attention if necessary.
“Encounters between wild animals and domestic pets, including some that involved people, have increased recently, so we encourage all residents to have their pets vaccinated against the Rabies Virus and be educated on what to do if they encounter a potentially rabid animal,” Brown said.
To report a wild animal acting strangely, contact Forsyth County Animal Services at (770) 781-2138. If it is after business hours, contact the Forsyth County 911 Center after-hours line at (770) 781-3087. To report an animal bite, call the Georgia Poison Control Center helpline at 1 (800) 222-1222 for medical instructions.
