Rabies Alert: 2 Reports of Rabid Raccoons in Winder

Two rabid raccoons were caught within a few days of each other last week in Winder, prompting warnings from Barrow County Animal Control.

The Barrow County Sheriff’s Office posted on its Facebook page the reports were on March 3 on Meadowbrook Drive and March 5 on Hidden Court near Sims Road. Both raccoons tested positive for rabies at the state laboratory.

In the second case, the homeowners reportedly saw a raccoon acting strangely near a fence, and later trapped the animal. The raccoon was dead when Animal Control arrived Thursday morning.

The sheriff’s office posted this plea:

Please continue to warn employees and the public of the danger involved and to avoid any contact with wild animals or domestic animals that appear to be acting in a strange or aggressive manner.

Barrow County Emergency Services posted the following tips on its Facebook page Wednesday:

If you or your child have been bitten or scratched by any animal where the skin is broken, domestic or wildlife, please call Barrow County Animal Control at 770-307-3012.

What does a rabid animal look like?
Rabid animals may act tame. They may also display strange or unusual behavior. They may act aggressive, avoid food and water, foam at the mouth, or have trouble moving. Stay away from any unknown animals, especially wildlife. Report any animal acting unusual to Barrow County Animal Control at 770-307-3012.

How can I help protect myself and my family from rabies?
• Make sure your pets get their rabies shots. Rabies Shots can only be administered by a Licensed Veterinarian, and may be given a One (1) Year or a Three (3) Year Shot by the Veterinarian 
• Keep your pets on your property 
• Do not leave garbage or pet food outside. Food left out may attract wild or stray animals 
• Stay away from wild, sick, hurt, or dead animals. Do not pick up or move sick or hurt animals. If you find a wild, sick, or hurt animal, call Barrow County Animal Control at 770-307-3012
• Do not keep wild animals like raccoons, skunks, foxes, and coyotes as pets. It is dangerous and also illegal 
• Teach your children not to go near, tease, or play with wild animals or strange dogs and cats