Rabid raccoon caught in DeKalb

DeKalb County officials are warning residents to protect their pets from rabid animals.

"Residents in the Rockbridge Road area should be aware that a raccoon was captured," fliers circulated throughout the county read.

A raccoon captured Wednesday in the 8300 block of Rockbridge Road tested positive for rabies, county officials said.

This happened after county animal control officials found another raccoon dead, county spokeswoman Shelia Edwards told the AJC.

There have been several recent run-ins between humans and rabid animals -- namely with rabid foxes.

Sunday, police killed a fox that attacked three people in Kennesaw. Last month, a rabid fox went berserk at a Fayette County business, attacking at least two people before a police officer killed the animal.

DeKalb officials advise anyone bitten or scratched by a wild animal to immediately seek medical attention.

But how can you tell if a wild animal -- or your pet -- has contracted rabies?

If the animal is acting unusually nervous or aggressive, or if they have excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth, contact DeKalb County Animal control, county officials said.

Animal Control officials recommend that residents use the following steps to keep themselves and their pets safe:

• Refrain from allowing your pets to run loos -- supervise them at all times.
• Refrain from leaving trash outside or feeding wild animals.
• Avoid contact with any strange or wild animals.
• Verify that your pet's rabies vaccination is current.

Anyone who comes across an animal suspected to have rabies is asked to call DeKalb Animal Control at 404-294-2996 or 404-294-2519.