Second rabies case confirmed in White County

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  • An incident involving a rabid raccoon in the area of Stovall Road is the second rabies case in White County for 2020.
    An incident involving a rabid raccoon in the area of Stovall Road is the second rabies case in White County for 2020.
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An incident involving a rabid raccoon in the area of Stovall Road is the second rabies case in White County for 2020.

According to White County Environmental Health Manager Sean Sullivan, a pet owner said his two dogs dropped a dead raccoon on their driveway when they came back from roaming. Sullivan’s office was notified on Friday, Feb. 14, of the incident.

The raccoon was sent to the Georgia Public Health Lab in Decatur. The state lab shared confirmation of a positive rabies test on Wednesday, Feb. 19.

Sullivan added that both the dogs were current on their rabies vaccination, so a 45-day observational quarantine is required.

Positive alert signs have been posted in the area where the rabid raccoon 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.