GAINESVILLE - There has been yet another case of rabies confirmed in Hall County... the 24th this year.<br />
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This one follows contact between a raccoon and three dogs Saturday in the County Line Road area in North Hall.<br />
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The raccoon was shipped to the Georgia Public Health Lab - Virology Section in Decatur on Monday. Tuesday, the Gainesville-Hall Animal Control Department was notified that the raccoon tested positive for rabies. <br />
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The 23rd case occurred June 2, also in the North Hall area, on Shadow Oaks Drive. <br />
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On Monday, the Hall County Commission endorsed a campaign to educate the public about rabies, what to do if you come in contact with an animal you think might be rabid and to ecourage that all pets be vaccinated against the disease. (See separate story.)<br />
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Tuesday, shortly before the latest case was confirmed, Animal ContrOl launched that campaign, issuing information "so that citizens can identify potential problem animals and understand the procedure for handling potential domestic animal exposure." <br />
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Officials point out that all of the cases this year have involved wild animals. There have been no positive cases in domestic animals. <br />
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They issued the following tips and suggestions to identify and avoid these types of animals: <br />
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*Immediately report any wild animal that exhibits abnormal behavior such as: wandering aimlessly, approaching humans or domestic animals, excessive slobbering, aggressive tendencies to the Animal Control office. <br />
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*Immediately report any contact between a high risk species and a domestic animal or a human to the Animal Control office.<br />
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*Do not approach any strange domestic animal that you are not familiar with and do not ever approach a wild animal for any reason.<br />
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*Remove all food that your pet has not eaten at night. Leaving the food outside will only attract wild animals to the area.<br />
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*The rabies virus is transmitted by contact with the saliva of an infected animal therefore immediate cleansing of the bite wounds with soap and running water may prevent the virus from entering the body.<br />
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*High risk species include Foxes, Skunks, Raccoons, and Bats.<br />
Report all animal bites. Get a good description of the biting animal and where it may be found.<br />
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*Any warm blooded animal can contract the rabies virus. <br />
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They go on to emphasize that rabies vaccinations for domestic pets "are very important."<br />
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State and county laws require all domestic animals be vaccinated for the rabies virus on an annual basis and that they wear their vaccination tag on their collar or harness at all times. Studies have shown that if a dog or cat is transmitting the virus at the time of a bite, it will show definite symptoms or die within ten (10) days. <br />
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If contact occurs with a domestic animal the law requires a ten day quarantine period for all domestic animals that bite a human. There is a county ordinance that requires all domestic animals to be confined on their property. <br />
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If you have any questions or concerns in regards to this situation, please contact the Gainesville-Hall Animal Control office at (770)531-6830.
