Raccoon Confirmed as Rabid in North Forsyth County
--By Staff Writer on --
A raccoon that bit a man in North Forsyth County on Thursday has been confirmed as having rabies, making this the second confirmed case of rabies in the county this summer.
According to Lt. David Waters of the Special Services Unit of the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office, a 72-year-old man was bitten by the raccoon yesterday morning as he was entering his barn to get food for his animals. “The raccoon gave no signs of aggression or being rabid when the man saw him. It just attacked him immediately when he came into the barn,” said Lt. Waters. The man was bitten on the finger.
Lt. Waters said the man’s residence is located off of Hopewell Road in northwest Forsyth County. The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control unit captured the raccoon. It was than taken to the veterinarian clinic of Dr. John McGruder in Cumming. The raccoon was tested and the results from the rabies test came back today, according to Lt. Waters. The raccoon is confirmed to have rabies.
The victim began treatment for rabies yesterday as a precaution before test results were known, added Lt. Waters.
“We are urging our citizens to keep a close eye on any wildlife they may come in contact with,” said Lt. Waters. “Also, for the safety of anyone’s dogs, cats and other animals, please be aware that rabid animals have been confirmed in Forsyth County.” Lt. Waters also added that cases of rabid animals have already been confirmed in Hall and Dawson counties this summer. “Persons in the northern part of the county need to remain very cautious if they come in contact with any animal that may be acting aggressive as well as any wildlife that may not flee from humans. We urge the public to report any suspicious acting animals to the Animal Control Unit at 770-781-2138 or call 911.”
The first case of rabies this year in Forsyth County was reported on June 4 in northeast Forsyth County, off of Waldrip Road. A rabid fox bit a dog and then bit a 45-year-old man.
The Animal Control Unit urges everyone to make sure their pets are up-to-date on their vaccinations. “If you have not had your pet vaccinated, we urge you to do so before there is a possibility of an exposure to rabies,” Lt. Waters added.