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.
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.
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.