Murray County, GA – North Georgia Health District officials announced today that two pet dogs in a heavily populated neighborhood in Chatsworth, Georgia may have been exposed to a skunk that has now tested positive for rabies. Officials warn that the skunk had been seen a few days earlier in the same neighborhood and any pets there could be exposed to other potentially infected animals. Therefore, all unvaccinated dogs and cats in the area should receive a rabies shot immediately. Pets overdue for a shot should be vaccinated, as well.
No human exposure to the skunk has been reported.
The skunk was found dead last week in the yard of a home within a neighborhood off Tom Gregory Drive behind Eton Elementary School. It is possible one or both dogs living at the home killed the skunk, potentially exposing them to rabies. However, one dog is vaccinated against the disease. Confirmation of the vaccination status for the other dog is pending.
As soon as Murray County Environmental Health staff received notice of positive test results for rabies in the skunk from the Georgia Public Health Laboratory, they canvassed the area, notifying neighbors of the incident and urged them to ensure their pets are currently vaccinated to protect them against any other animals that may have been exposed.
All residents are reminded to maintain rabies vaccinations in their pets and to avoid contact with unfamiliar animals, both wild and domesticated.
To learn more about rabies and how to protect against it, call the local county environmental health office. The number for Murray County Environmental Health is (706) 695-0266, ext. 371.
Additional rabies information is available on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website at www.cdc.gov/rabies.