Wildfires Can Increase Risk For Rabies Exposure: Health Department

WOODSTOCK, GA -- Recent wildfires across North Georgia could cause wild or stray animals to move into residential areas.

That's according to the North Georgia Health District, which also said this migration could result in an increased chance for rabies exposure for residents and pets.

With this in mind, the district, which includes Cherokee County, asks citizens to prohibit children from petting or having any contact with these unfamiliar animals.

"Very few wild or stray animals have or carry rabies, but it is always best to leave them alone unless you or your pets are attacked," the agency said.

Of course, never approach a wild or stray animal exhibiting "abnormal behaviors" such as appearing to be friendly, disoriented, sick or aggressive.

The USDA Wildlife Rabies Surveillance found a raccoon two months ago in Whitfield County that was positive for rabies; no human or domestic animal exposure occurred. The USDA also recently distributed oral rabies vaccine baits for wildlife in Whitfield County to reduce rabies in raccoons, foxes, skunks, coyotes and bobcats.

One of the easiest ways to protect your family is to ensure all pets have a current vaccination for rabies. These vaccinations are inexpensive and "are very effective in protecting your pets and your family in the event of an encounter with a wild animal," the Health District adds.

You can also report any potential rabies exposure such as a bite or scratch from a wild or stray animal to the Cherokee County Environmental Health Office at 770-479-0444.

Contact with bats or finding a bat in your home should be reported immediately. Your environmental health office can also have animals tested for rabies if there is exposure.

Vaccinating your pets, avoiding contact with wild or unknown animals and teaching your children to avoid such contact will prevent rabies exposures. Human rabies treatments must be administered quickly after exposure and can be expensive.

For more information about rabies and its prevention, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website.

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