LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. - A bat tested positive for rabies after a resident found it dead near the 700 block of Autumn Meadow Drive in Loganville, according to Gwinnett County Animal Welfare and Enforcement and GNR Public Health.
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Officials say diseases like rabies can spread to people and pets through bites or scratches from wild animals such as foxes and bats. They are advising residents to use caution and avoid animals behaving in unusual ways.
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Officials also urge pet owners to make sure their pets are current on rabies vaccination. The National Association of State Health Veterinarians says unvaccinated dogs and cats exposed to a rabid animal must be quarantined for four months and vaccinated one month before release.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says rabies attacks the central nervous system and is almost always fatal in humans if untreated. Early symptoms in people include fever, headache and general weakness or discomfort.
Anyone who wants to report an animal behaving in an unusual way and have it picked up can call the Gwinnett Animal Welfare and Enforcement Bite Office at (770) 339-3200.
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