LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. — Officials are asking residents to use caution after a second raccoon tested positive for rabies, according to the Gwinnett County Health Department.
[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]
Gwinnett officials said they were called to the 500 block of Buford Highway in Buford in regards to a dog attacking a raccoon.
The raccoon was taken to the Gwinnett Animal and Enforcement shelter the same day to be tested.
TRENDING STORIES:
- Woman texts 911 claiming she was kidnapped. A Hall County deputy found her out getting food.
- ‘Rapid unscheduled disassembly’: SpaceX Starship explodes after test flight launch
- ‘Why did you shoot a kid’s dad?’ 6-year-old, parents shot after ball rolls into man’s yard
Officials say wild animals including foxes and raccoons carry diseases like rabies that can spread to people and pets through a bite or scratch.
The National Association of State Health Veterinarians states that unvaccinated dogs and cats exposed to a rabid animal must be quarantined for four months and vaccinated one month prior to being released.
Preventive treatment for rabies is necessary if you or your child have been bitten or scratched by any stray animals or an animal that is suspected to have rabies,
Gwinnett officials said they will continue to investigate to check if there are more threats in the area.
[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Residents can contact the Gwinnett Animal Welfare and Enforcement Bite Office at 770-339-3200 ext. 5576 to report an animal and have it picked up.
IN OTHER NEWS:
©2022 Cox Media Group
