GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. – A rabid cat present in Gwinnett County has officers involved and at the moment are calling for assist from residents.
“This is our third constructive this yr with a raccoon after which one other cat, so it’s changing into a bit of extra widespread,” stated Katrina Amaro, division director of the Gwinnett County Animal Welfare.
On Monday, a cat bit a person close to the 3600 block of Fence Road in Auburn. It was examined and located to be carrying the rabies virus. That person is now present process therapy.
While rabies will not be unusual in Georgia, there appears to be a spike in instances thus far this yr.
“Last yr, we solely had 4 complete. We’re already in February, and we’re seeing three complete,” Amaro stated.
RABID RACCOON BITES DOG IN GWINNETT COUNTY, RESIDENTS URGED TO BE ALERT
Gwinnett County fights rabies in ‘community cats’
One means county officers have been battling the unfold of rabies is to supply free providers for so-called “neighborhood cats.”
“In Gwinnett County, if persons are feeding neighborhood cats, is what we’re calling them, we do run a TNR program that’s free to the residents of Gwinnett County,” Amaro stated.
TNR stands for “Tag, Neuter, and Release,” however there may be extra to it than that.
After being sterilized, they make sure that the cat is wholesome. The cat then will probably be immunized towards the rabies virus, obtain a microchip, and have of its ears tipped.
“They can get a lure, lure the cat, convey it up right here Monday by way of Friday,” Amaro stated.
Cats may be dropped off on the Bill Atkinson Animal Welfare Center situated at 884 Winder Hwy in Lawrenceville, so long as they’re trapped. But solely two cats per family per day.
Officials say it helps management the cat inhabitants, reduces the necessity to euthanize cats, and most significantly, helps stop the unfold of rabies.
Rabies vaccinations this weekend in Gwinnett County
The Society of Humane Friends of Georgia has teamed up with Gwinnett Animal Welfare and Enforcement to supply a vaccination clinic for dogs and cats for $10 or $20 every.
Microchipping may also be available for $20.
Make positive to seize some money, as they don’t settle for playing cards.
Visit GwinnettAnimalWelfare.com for extra.
What is rabies?
Rabies is a deadly virus that targets the central nervous system. It may be transmitted to each people and animals by way of the chew or scratch of an contaminated animal, with widespread wildlife carriers being foxes and raccoons.
The National Association of State Health Veterinarians has set forth pointers mandating a four-month quarantine interval for unvaccinated pets which have been uncovered to rabies. These pets are additionally required to be vaccinated towards rabies one month previous to the completion of their quarantine. This measure goals to curb the transmission of the virus, making certain the protection of each pets and their human counterparts.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a stark warning concerning the risks of rabies to people, noting that the illness is almost invariably deadly as soon as signs manifest. Symptoms of rabies in people embrace fever, headache, and common weak spot, signaling the virus’s extreme impression on the physique’s central nervous system.
This is why authorities are urging pet homeowners to stick strictly to vaccination schedules and pointers to stop the unfold of this lethal virus, highlighting the significance of proactive measures in safeguarding public well being and animal welfare.
How to contact Gwinnett County officers about rabies
Gwinnett County residents can report suspicious animals to the Gwinnett Animal Welfare and Enforcement Bite Office at 770-339-3200 ext. 5576.
The non-emergency Dispatch quantity is 770-513-5700 for incidents outdoors of standard business hours.
The Gwinnett County Health Department may be reached at 770-339-4260 to talk with the on-call epidemiologist.
Anyone who’s bitten or scratched by a stray animal or animal appearing suspiciously ought to contact medical professionals instantly to hunt consideration.
