GLYNN COUNTY, Fla. – Health Department officials in Glynn County are reminding residents to use precaution after 2 people and a dog were exposed to a fox that tested positive for rabies.
The incident happened in the Peppertree Crossing area. Environmental Health officials are reminding people to avoid wild animals and make sure pets are up-to-date on vaccinations. In this instance, the dog was current on his rabies vaccination.
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Several species of wild animals that are native to coastal Georgia including raccoons, foxes, and bats. They all can carry rabies. Rabies is a potentially deadly virus that is primarily spread by infected animals. Symptoms of rabies in animals include a change in behavior, biting, aggression, showing no fear of natural enemies (such as humans), foaming at the mouth, and paralysis.
The Glynn County Health Department Environmental Health Division offers these tips to protect you and your family from rabies:
Avoid contact with animals you don't know.
• Make sure your pets receive the proper immunizations. Dogs and cats should get rabies vaccines by four months of age, followed by a booster shot one year later, and another one every one to three years as prescribed by your veterinarian.
• Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans or by leaving pet food out at night.
• Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home. Do not try to nurse sick animals to health. Call animal control or a properly licensed animal rescue agency for assistance.