A raccoon in the Oxford Drive area of Griffin has tested positive for rabies after fighting two dogs, according to the Spalding County Environmental Health Department.

The encounter occurred on Wednesday, July 29, and the raccoon was submitted to the Environmental Health office that same day. Environmental Health officials sent the raccoon for rabies testing to the Georgia Department of Public Health Laboratory. The state lab reported a positive result on July 30, and Animal Control was notified on July 31.

The two dogs involved in the incident have been revaccinated for rabies and are under confined observation.

This is the third case of rabies this year among animals in Spalding County. On May 28, a dog in the northwest area of the county (near the Fayette County line) tested positive for rabies. On June 11, a fox in the Springer Drive area of Griffin tested positive for rabies after it had been seen charging at a woman and a dog in the area.

Rabies is a deadly but preventable virus that spreads most often through the bite of an infected animal. Less commonly, it can spread when infectious saliva contacts a scratch, open wound, or the eyes, nose, or mouth.

Rabies is always present in Georgia’s wildlife and can be transmitted year-round. But during the summer months when families spend more time outdoors, it’s especially important to protect family members, pets, and livestock from unfamiliar animals — both domestic and wild, said Kelly Wilson, Spalding County’s environmental health manager.

Wilson said the two best ways to protect your loved ones — both humans and the furry kind — are to avoid unfamiliar dogs, cats, and wild animals, and to keep pets current on their rabies vaccinations.

Georgia law requires owned dogs, cats, and ferrets to be vaccinated by a licensed veterinarian.

In Georgia, raccoons are the most common carriers of rabies, followed by bats, foxes, and skunks. Coyotes and stray/feral dogs and cats are also known transmitters. Opossums and rodents are less likely carriers but still pose a potential risk.

Whether an unfamiliar animal looks healthy or sick, don’t approach it. If it looks sick, overly aggressive, or out of character, call local Animal Control or the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division at (800) 366-2661.

Report any direct contact with a pet or a human to Animal Control at (770) 467-4772  (county) or (770) 229-9911 (city of Griffin), or to the Spalding County Environmental Health office at (770) 467-4230.  In humans, the disease is nearly 100 percent fatal once clinical symptoms appear. However, it is entirely preventable if appropriate medical care is sought immediately after exposure.

For rabies consultation, you also can call the Georgia Poison Center Helpline 24/7 at (800) 222-1222.

###