Fourth rabies case in 2020 confirmed in White County

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  • An incident involving a rabid skunk in the Albert Reid area is the fourth confirmed rabies case in White County for 2020.
    An incident involving a rabid skunk in the Albert Reid area is the fourth confirmed rabies case in White County for 2020.
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An incident involving a rabid skunk in the Albert Reid area is the fourth confirmed rabies case in White County for 2020.

According to White County Environmental Health Manager Sean Sullivan, in the early morning on Monday, March 9, homeowners noticed their house smelled of skunk when they woke up. When they looked around, they saw their outside dog being chased by a skunk in its pen and that it had bitten the dog on its hind quarters. The skunk was shot and Environmental Health was notified that same morning.  

The skunk was sent to the Georgia Public Health Lab in Decatur. The state lab shared confirmation of a positive rabies test on Wednesday, March 11.

The dog has not been vaccinated for rabies according to the homeowners, Sullivan said.  

"These circumstances require one of two choices for the animal," Sullivan said. "A six month strict quarantine, with an approved pen, or to have the animal immediately euthanized." 

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.