JEKYLL ISLAND, Ga. – The Glynn County Health Department is alerting residents about the presence of rabies after a bobcat located on Jekyll Island tested positive for the disease.
Authorities said that the bobcat attacked someone near the intersection of Shell Road and Beachview Drive on Sunday, which prompted officials to take the bobcat for testing at a public health lab in Waycross.
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“This is an important reminder for residents and visitors to avoid contact with wild animals when possible, and for pet owners to keep their animals up to date on rabies vaccinations,” the health department said.
The rabies virus, which is what causes infections, can spread through the saliva of an infected animal. Infected animals spread the virus by biting another animal or person.
Cats, cows, dogs and horses are capable of carrying the rabies virus, but it is most commonly found in wild animals like raccoons, foxes, skunks and bats.
Symptoms of a rabies infection include change in behavior, biting, aggression, showing no fear of natural enemies (such as humans), foaming at the mouth, and paralysis.
The Glynn County Health Department offered some tips to protect residents and their families from the rabies virus:
- Avoid contact with animals you don’t know.
- Make sure your pets receive the proper immunizations. Dogs and cats should get rabies vaccines after 12 weeks of age, followed by a booster shot within one year and vaccination every 1-3 years, depending on veterinary recommendation and vaccine used.
- Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans or by leaving pet food out at night.
- Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home. Do not try to nurse sick animals to health. Call animal control or a properly licensed animal rescue agency for assistance.
- Teach children to never handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly. “Love your own, leave other animals alone” is a good principle for children to learn.
If you are ever bitten by an animal, seek medical care immediately and contact Glynn County Animal Control at 912-554-7500 and the county’s health department at 912-279-2940.