A rabid cat was captured last week in Clarkesville and euthanized, marking the sixth and final case of rabies in Habersham County for 2022.
On Dec. 27, Habersham County Animal Care and Control was notified via phone of a stray kitten which had shown up at a residence on North Street in Clarkesville. It was reported that the animal was “stumbling around” and when the resident had attempted to cover it with a blanket it “attacked the blanket.”
Habersham County Animal Control Officer Emily Harrison responded to the address and was able to locate and capture the animal. The kitten was transported to the animal shelter where it was evaluated.
Due to symptoms and behaviors observed, the decision to euthanize was made.
Madi Nix, Habersham County Animal Shelter Director, said the animal was humanely euthanized and was sent to the health department for rabies testing. Results that confirmed a positive specimen were obtained Thursday afternoon.
Prior to obtaining the results it was discovered that a canine at the residence had consumed some food that had been placed out for the kitten. The canine had a current rabies vaccination and received a booster vaccine directly after results of a positive specimen had been obtained. The canine has been placed in a home observation for 45 days as a precaution.
The previous cases in 2022 were as follows: Col Hugh Rd in Clarkesville (cat); Thornbriar Way in Mt. Airy (skunk); Georgia Highway 17 in Clarkesville (racoon); Ivy Hills in Mt. Airy (skunk); and Family Ties Lane in Demorest (skunk).
“This is a reminder to check that your pet’s vaccinations are current. Dogs and cats who receive an initial rabies vaccination are not considered immunized until 28 days after the vaccine has been administered, therefore it is strongly recommended that any animal newly vaccinated or those too young to receive the vaccine (less than three months) not be left outdoors unattended,” Nix said.
In addition to vaccinating your pets for rabies, there are several things residents can do to protect themselves and their pets:
• Avoid wildlife and animals you do not know;
• Do not allow your pet to roam; it can come in contact with rabid wildlife;
• Never feed or touch wild animals, especially bats, skunks, raccoons, or foxes;
• Seek medical attention immediately if bitten or exposed to saliva of a wild animal;
• Contact your veterinarian if your pet was exposed to a bat, raccoon, skunk, or other wild carnivore;
• Do not encourage the feeding of unmanaged cat colonies. If you do feed cats, ensure they are part of a TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) colony and have been vaccinated for rabies.
– Staff reports