COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) — Officials with the Georgia Dept. of Public Health (GDPH) announced on Thursday that a raccoon from the Bridlewood subdivision was found to have rabies. Residents of the area are advised to take precautions.
The raccoon was tested on Wednesday by the Georgia Public Health Laboratory.
Health officials strongly advise residents and visitors of the subdivision on Schomburg Road to take the following precautions:
- Do not pick up or handle any stray or wild animals.
- Report any animal bites and/or scratches to Columbus Animal Care & Control Center and the Columbus Environmental Health Office.
- Contact Columbus Animal Care & Control Center to report any animals which are behaving strangely or aggressively.
- If your pet or livestock is behaving strangely or is injured contact your local veterinarian immediately.
- Teach children about the dangers of stray and wild animals.
- Have all of your dogs and cats vaccinated against rabies.
If you are bitten or scratched by any animal:
- Wash and rinse the wound thoroughly for several minutes.
- Apply a disinfectant.
- Seek medical attention immediately.
- Report the bite/scratch to Columbus Animal Care & Control Center or the Columbus Environmental Health Office.
If anyone knows someone that may have come in contact with a raccoon, have them contact the Columbus Environmental Health Office, Columbus Animal Care and Control Center, and their physician…