2 Raccoons and 2 Skunks Positive for Rabies in Whitfield County!

In the last 8 months there has been 2 raccoons and 2 skunks that have tested positive for rabies.  On February 21st of this year a dog was bitten by one those raccoons in Dalton and must now under go a 6 month quarantine. 

What is rabies?

Rabies is a viral disease that is transmitted through the saliva or tissues from the nervous system from an infected mammal to another mammal.
Rabies is a zoonotic disease. Zoonotic diseases can pass between species. This means rabies can be passed from animal to human. It is generally transmitted through saliva of the infected animal via a bite or scratch to another animal or human. 

Most human cases (90%) are caused by exposure from an infected dog. However bats, raccoons, skunks, foxes, and coyotes are also known to be important resevoirs of the disease.

The rabies virus attacks the central nervous system causing severely distressing neurological symptoms before causing the victim to die. 
Rabies is the deadliest disease on earth with a 99.9% fatality rate. With immediate medical treatment after a bite by and infected animal it can be treated.  Left untreated it is 100% deadly.

However, this disease is 100% preventable. This major source of rabies in humans can be eliminated through ensuring adequate animal vaccination and control, educating those at risk, and enhancing access of those bitten to appropriate medical care.

What can you do to protect your family and pets?

• Vaccinate your pet
• Maintain control of your pets to reduce their exposure to wildlife
• Spay or neuter to decrease the number of stray animals
• Report any stray or ill animals to animal control

National Spay Alliance Foundation wants to help you protect you and your pets. We are now offering a monthly $10 rabies vaccine clinic.  Our next vaccine clinic will be held Saturday 04/01/17 from 9:00am - 11:00am.  Heartworm testing and distemper vaccines are also $10.  

Please help keep our community safe and vaccinate! 

CDC - Center for Disease Control and Prevention
and Global Alliance for Rabies Control.