Rabies and Other

Gwinnett requires a current rabies tag for all cats and dogs. All pet owners should ensure that their pets, including indoor pets, are current on the rabies vaccination. We frequently provide discounted or free vaccinations at local events and festivals as part of an initiative to provide a safe and healthy community. Please check our Facebook page frequently for these special events.

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 of time 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 have been exposed to rabies should be euthanized immediately or strictly quarantined. The recommendations for dogs, cats, and ferrets known to have bitten or scratched a person 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 prior to release.
2. Dogs and cats only who are overdue on their booster vaccinations, 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 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 prior to 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 animal evaluated by a vet within 96 hours of exposure to a rabid animal. Animal will be placed under strict isolation until PSM Protocol is completed.
   b.) Vet reports animal exposure to Public Health, GRN.
   c.) Vet draws animal’s bold and collects serum for serology testing (day 0).
   d.) Vet administers rabies vaccine booster.
   e.) Vet draws animal’s blood and collects serum for serology testing (day 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 during open hours or the after-hours non-emergency dispatch at 770.513.5700.

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 rabies testing.

Rabies can be transmitted from an infected animal to humans. Prompt medical attention and treatment for rabies exposure may be needed after an 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 don’t normally carry rabies. A bite or scratch from these animals should be treated, but we don’t take reports or confine these animals for rabies testing.

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 not likely to have rabies, but 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.

Wildlife abounds in Gwinnett and should be left undisturbed in their natural habitat.
Wild animals such as raccoon, fox, skunk, bats, or coyote, may be dangerous and carry rabies, even though they may not exhibit visible signs or symptoms. Do not try to handle or approach wild animals. Call the center at 770.339.3200 for assistance in trapping wild animals. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is a valuable resource for options on nuisance wildlife, fact sheets, wildlife rehabilitator information, tips on managing land for wildlife, guides on rabies, and much more. For more information, visit GeorgiaWildlife.com.

Livestock impounded at the Bill Atkinson Animal Welfare Center is subject to a 21-day hold (fees may apply). If the owner does not reclaim the livestock during that time, the animals may be adopted or rescued. Any livestock that was captured by the use of tranquilizers or darting drugs are not allowed to be slaughtered for consumption. For more information on handling livestock, please refer to of the Gwinnett County Animal Control Ordinance.

Animal Welfare and Enforcement will remove a dead animal from public property. Small animal carcasses will only be picked up from private property if it’s contained in a plastic bag and placed roadside near the right-of-way. To request removal, email DeadAnimalRemoval@GwinnettCounty.com or call 770.339.3200 during sopen hours. Include specific information regarding the location where the animal is located, the street number, the closest intersection, and nearby landmarks. Please include your name and phone number in case additional information is needed. Dead animal removal typically occurs on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Whenever possible, animals should be brought to the animal shelter for disposal.

To report dead animals on state roadways, call the Georgia Department of Transportation at 404.631.1990 during regular business hours. 

Pet owners may bring their deceased animal to the shelter for disposal (fees may apply). Private property owners must dispose of a carcass in accordance with state House Bill no. 225, Act no. 557.