LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. — Gwinnett County officials are warning residents to stay aware and avoid animals behaving in "unusual ways" after a raccoon tested positive for rabies in the county.
The alert comes after a rabid raccoon attacked a dog in the area of Stone Forest Drive in Lawrenceville last Thursday.
The Gwinnett County Health Department is also urging all pet owners to ensure that their pets are current on rabies vaccinations.
According to the National Association of State Health Veterinarians, unvaccinated dogs and cats exposed to a rabid animal must be strictly quarantined for four months and vaccinated one month prior to being released.
If humans are exposed to rabies, it can be fatal if left untreated. If you are bitten or scratched by a suspected rabid animal, health officials say to seek treatment immediately and then contact the Health Department at 770-339-4260.
To report the animal and have it picked up, please call the Gwinnett Animal Welfare and Enforcement Bite Office at 770-339-3200 ext. 5576.
