Rabies warning issued for Camden County

CAMDEN COUNTY, Ga. — The Camden County Health Authority has issued a rabies alert.

Authorities are concerned because of a number of dog bites in the Dawson and Johnson avenues area, which is in Kingsland.

People should avoid wild or stray animals and make sure your pets are up-to-date on their shots. Symptoms of rabies in animals include a change in behavior, biting, aggression, showing no fear of natural enemies, foaming at the mouth and paralysis.

Tips from the Camden County Health Department Environmental Health Division:

• Avoid contact with animals you don't know.Make sure your pets receive the proper immunizations. 
• Dogs and cats should get rabies vaccines by four months of age, followed by a booster shot one year later, and another one every one to three years as prescribed by your veterinarian. 
• 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 never to 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.

Anyone bitten by an animal should seek medical care immediately and contact the Camden County Health Department Environmental Health Division at 912-729-6012 as well as the Camden County Animal Control at 912-576-7395 for the Woodbine and St. Marys area or 912-729-1442 for the Kingsland.

WJAX