Rabies and Other

Based upon recommendations from the Georgia Department of Public Health 2018 Rabies Compendium Update, the Gwinnett County Animal Control Ordinance, and in accordance with rules and regulations promulgated by the county board of health, Gwinnett requires all dogs, cats, and ferrets that have bitten or scratched a person to be confined for a 10-day quarantine period to observe the animal for signs of rabies. Confinement can be at the Bill Atkinson Animal Welfare Center, veterinarian's hospital, at a boarding facility approved by the animal control manager, or under home supervision with the approval of the animal control manager. All expenses incurred for boarding the animal during this period shall be paid by the owner or possessor of the biting animal. The Centers for Disease Control warn that unvaccinated animals or animals not current on their rabies vaccination that has been exposed to rabies should be euthanized immediately or strictly quarantined. The recommendations for dogs, cats, and ferrets known to have been bitten or scratched by a possibly rabid mammal are as follows:

1. Unvaccinated dogs, cats, and ferrets: Placed on strict isolation (under the authority of the local rabies control agency, Bill Atkinson Animal Welfare Center) for four months for dogs and cats and six months for ferrets. Vaccine to be given upon entry to isolation or one month before release.
2. Dogs and cats only who are overdue on their booster vaccinations, and who have had at least one vaccination in their lifetime, should be vaccinated immediately, kept under owners’ control, and observed at home for 45 days for signs of rabies. (For ferrets, refer to #1 above).
3. Dogs and cats ONLY without any documentation of a prior vaccine will be placed in strict isolation (under the authority of the local rabies control agency, Bill Atkinson Animal Welfare Center) for four months for dogs and cats and six months for ferrets. Vaccine to be given upon entry to isolation or one month before release.  If there is a strong indication that the animal was previously vaccinated, the Progressive Serological Monitoring (PSM) Protocol may be followed. 
   
   The PSM Protocol includes
   a.) Owner has an animal evaluated by a vet within 96 hours of exposure to a rabid animal. The animal will be placed under strict isolation until PSM Protocol is completed.
   b.) Vet reports animal exposure to Public Health, GRN.
   c.) Vet draws the animal’s bold and collects serum for serology testing (day 0).
   d.) Vet administers rabies vaccine booster.
   e.) Vet draws the animal’s blood and collects serum for serology testing (days 5 – 7).
   f.)  Rabies epidemiologists and the state public health veterinarian will interpret the results of these tests in conjunction with the laboratory’s own data regarding testing performance. If the rabies epidemiologists and the public health veterinarian determine that the lab results demonstrate an anamnestic response, the animal may complete a 45-day observation at home.
   
   
4. Animals currently vaccinated will be revaccinated immediately and observed at home under owner’s control for 45 days. 

Please Note: If at any time an animal exposed (via bite, open wound including scratches, or mucous membranes) to rabid animal develops clinical symptoms suggestive of rabies, regardless of vaccine status, the animal should be euthanized and tested for rabies.

Report any animal acting unusually or if a bite or scratch occurs, call Bill Atkinson Animal Welfare Center at 770.339.3200.

Protection from rabies:

• Ensure pets get rabies vaccine regularly
• Keep pets on your property
• Don’t leave garbage or pet food outside; it may attract wild or stray animals
• Stay away from wild, sick, hurt, or dead animals; don’t pick up or move sick or hurt animals.
• Remember, it’s illegal and dangerous to keep wild animals like raccoons, rabbits, and foxes as pets
• Teach your children not to go near, tease, or play with wild animals or strange dogs and cats

Bats are of great concern for potential rabies. Use care and protection to contain any bats found indoors, and contact us for guidance on rabies testing.

Rabies can be transmitted from an infected animal to humans. Prompt medical attention and treatment for rabies exposure may be needed after exposure to an infected animal. Without treatment, rabies infections in humans are nearly 100 percent fatal.

Small animals and rodents such as squirrels, chipmunks, rats, mice, moles, and rabbits are rarely found to be infected with rabies and have not been known to transmit rabies to humans. Bites by these animals are usually not considered a rabies risk unless the animal is sick or behaving in an unusual manner.

Those with bites or scratches from stray animals should scrub the wound with antiseptic soap and water, flush the wound, and seek immediate medical attention. If possible, the animal should be captured and tested if rabies is suspected.

Livestock such as cattle, horses, mules, donkeys, goats, swine, and sheep are susceptible to rabies, and exposure to saliva from infected livestock is a concern. If the animal is clinically ill with signs suggestive of rabies, treatment, and testing must be weighed against the circumstances of exposure. Involve your veterinarian and the Georgia Poison Control Center in the decision.

The Gwinnett County Health Department has additional information regarding the impact of rabies on humans and can be reached at 770.339.4260.