Gwinnett County Animal Welfare and Enforcement and the Gwinnett County Health Department advise residents to use caution and avoid animals behaving in unusual ways after a racoon tested positive for the rabies virus. 

On Tuesday, March 17, a racoon attacked a dog near Tanner Road in Dacula. Gwinnett Animal Welfare and Enforcement promptly collected the racoon, which was then taken to the shelter for testing.

Foxes, raccoons, and other wild animals carry diseases like rabies that can spread to people and pets through a bite or scratch.

All pet owners should 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.

According to the CDC, the rabies virus attacks the central nervous system and is almost always fatal in humans if untreated. Early symptoms of rabies in people include fever, headache, and general weakness or discomfort.

If you or your child has been bitten or scratched by any stray animals or an animal suspected of having rabies, preventive treatment for rabies is necessary.

If you believe you have been exposed, 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.

The following tips may help you protect yourself and your family from rabies:

• Make sure your pets get their rabies shots regularly.
• Keep your pets on your property.
• Do not leave garbage or pet food outside. Food left out may attract wild or stray animals.
• Report any animal acting unusually to Gwinnett County Animal Welfare and Enforcement. They may display strange or unusual behavior. They may also act aggressively, avoid food and water, foam at the mouth, have trouble moving or move in a stiff, odd way. Stay away from any unknown animals, especially wildlife.
• Stay away from wild, sick, hurt, or dead animals. Do not pick up or move sick or hurt animals.
• Do not keep wild animals like raccoons, skunks, foxes, and coyotes as pets. It is dangerous and illegal.
• Teach your children not to go near, tease, or play with wild animals or strange dogs and cats.

For more information regarding the impact of rabies, please visit GwinnettAnimalWelfare.com.