Two more cases of rabies reported

Two more positive rabies cases have been reported in Madison County in the past two weeks.

A raccoon on Della Slaton Road near Bells Ferry Road in Comer tested positive for rabies.
A raccoon on Brookview Drive in Hull also tested positive for rabies.

The latest rabies cases mark the fifth consecutive month of confirmed rabid animals in the county. The animal control department also reported two cases of rabies in late August, three in early September, three in October and two in November.

Animal control officials stress the importance of rabies vaccinations and urge the public to use caution with unknown animals.

Puppies, kittens, and ferrets must be vaccinated at 12 weeks of age. If someone is unsure of the rabies vaccination status on their pet, it is safe to give the animal a booster shot.

Call your local veterinarian or the Madison Oglethorpe Animal Shelter with questions concerning rabies vaccinations.

Georgia state law and the Madison County Animal Control Ordinance require all owners of dogs, cats and ferrets to have current rabies vaccinations. The vaccination must be administered by a licensed veterinarian to be valid.