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By Editor Becky Watts
ZEBULON - A case of rabies was confirmed in Pike County last month in Molena. A goat on McCrary Road tested positive for rabies. As a precaution, the owner took the rabies vaccination as well as several members of his family.
Ben Trotter, Environmental Health Manager for Pike County, said that there have been several cases of rabies in Pike County in the past, but most of those were raccoons. He advised that the primary source of the rabies is unknown and could have been a coyote or raccoon. “Livestock are susceptible to rabies but not likely to spread it easily,” he said.
The 17 remaining goats are being quarantined as a herd and will be observed for symptoms of rabies.
Rabies normally occurs in wild mammals such as skunks, raccoons, coyotes, foxes and bats. According to the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s website, wild animals sometimes infect domestic dogs, cats, and livestock. Georgia law requires pet owners to vaccinate dogs, cats, and ferrets against rabies on a yearly basis.
Do not approach a wild animal—especially those that act in a strange manner or aggressively. If you see an animal that is acting strangely—like a raccoon out during the middle of the day—you can call 911.
For more information about rabies, click here.