Dog found in 43rd Street area in Columbus tests positive for rabies, state health department says
A dog found in the 43rd Street area in Columbus tested positive for rabies at a state laboratory Thursday, according to the Georgia Department of Public Health.
The state health department said the dog had been attacked by a raccoon earlier in the month.
Health authorities are asking residents who have come into contact with a raccoon to contact the Columbus Environmental Health Office (706-321-6170) or Columbus Animal Care & Control Center (706-653-4512).
The state health department offered the following advice related to rabid animals:
- 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 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