A raccoon that attacked a dog in Gwinnett County, Georgia, tested positive for rabies, prompting an urgent warning to residents and pet owners, as FOX 5 reported.
What happened?
Health officials said the raccoon attacked a dog on Biltmore Oaks Drive in the Bethlehem area last week, per FOX 5. The animal was confirmed to have rabies four days after the attack, Gwinnett County Animal Welfare and Enforcement said in a press release.
Officials have not said what condition the dog is in, per FOX 5. It also remains unclear whether any people or other pets in the neighborhood were exposed before the raccoon was tested, the network noted.
Rabies can spread through bites or scratches from infected wild animals, including raccoons and foxes, Gwinnett County Animal Welfare and Enforcement explained.
Why does it matter?
Wildlife experts have long warned that human development, outdoor pet food, and unsecured trash can increase contact between wild animals and people…