Dog found in 43rd Street area in Columbus tests positive for rabies, state health department says

Kelby Hutchison
·1 min read

A dog found in the 43rd Street area in Columbus tested positive for rabies at a state laboratory Thursday, according to the Georgia Department of Public Health.

The state health department said the dog had been attacked by a raccoon earlier in the month.

Health authorities are asking residents who have come into contact with a raccoon to contact the Columbus Environmental Health Office (706-321-6170) or Columbus Animal Care & Control Center (706-653-4512).

The state health department offered the following advice related to rabid animals:

  • Do not pick up or handle any stray or wild animals

  • Report any animal bites and/or scratches to Columbus Animal Care & Control Center and the Columbus Environmental Health Office

  • Contact Columbus Animal Care & Control Center to report any animals which are behaving strangely or aggressively

  • If your pet or livestock is behaving strangely or is injured, contact your local veterinarian immediately

  • Teach children about the dangers of stray and wild animals

  • Have all your dogs and cats vaccinated against rabies

If you are bitten or scratched by any animal:

  • Wash and rinse the wound thoroughly for several minutes

  • Apply a disinfectant

  • Seek medical attention immediately

  • Report the bite/scratch to Columbus Animal Care & Control Center or the Columbus Environmental Health Office