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First rabies case of the year confirmed.
A rabid skunk in the Walking Horse Lane area is the 1st confirmed rabies case in White County for 2022.
According to Sean Sullivan, White County Environmental Health Manager, on Wednesday, Jan. 7, a dog owner found a skunk in his driveway after he heard his dog barking. He got his dog to safety but the dog had already been bitten on its back leg. The homeowner put the skunk down and reported the incident to Environmental Health.The skunk was sent to the Georgia Public Health Lab in Decatur. The state lab shared confirmation of a positive rabies test on Wednesday, Jan. 12.
The dog had a history of rabies vaccination and is required to undergo a 45-day observational quarantine.
Positive alert signs have been posted in the area where the rabid skunk was located. Those who live in this area and have concerns of rabid animal exposure should contact White County Environmental Health at 706-348-7698 during normal business hours.
Animal owners are encouraged to vaccinate their domesticated pets for rabies. Please call a local veterinarian for an appointment.