Health department urges caution after rabid raccoon found in Columbus

A raccoon found in Columbus tested positive for rabies at the state laboratory Tuesday, according to the Georgia Department of Public Health.

The raccoon was in the area of Buena Vista Road near Eastwood Drive. 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 offers 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 and Control Center to report any animals that are behaving strangely or aggressively.
• If your pet or livestock is behaving strangely or is njured, 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.

This is at least the third report of a rabid animal found within Columbus city limits this year. A dog found in the 43rd street area of Columbus tested positive for rabies in March, and a raccoon found in the Forest Avenue area tested positive in April.

A raccoon found in the area of Midland Road/County Line Road in Midland tested positive for rabies in April as well making this at least four rabies reports within Muscogee County this year.

This story was originally published August 9, 2023 at 5:40 PM.