Rabid Raccoon Found in Columbia County

The Columbia County Health Department has confirmed that a raccoon that was in contact with two dogs in the county earlier this week has tested positive for rabies.

Health officials say the raccoon was spotted fighting with two dogs on May 8 in a populated area of Rhodes Farm subdivision off Evans-to-Locks Road.

The raccoon was sent to the Georgia Public Health Laboratory in Decatur, Georgia where testing confirmed the animal had rabies.  Columbia County Health Department officials confirmed the dog's rabies vaccinations are up-to-date.  Officials are asking all residents to make sure pets are vaccinated against rabies and to avoid all contact with wild animals.

Report any contact of humans and domestic animals with wild animals to Columbia County Health Department Environmental Health Section office at 706-868-3330 or Columbia County Animal Services at 706-868-3375.

You can get more information about rabies by visiting the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's website, www.cdc.govncidod/dvrd/rabies.