The Chatham and Liberty County Health Departments are both issuing rabies alerts after two wild animals tested positive for rabies.

In Chatham County, a dog discovered a bat inside a residence in the Bonaventure Road area. In Liberty County, a resident contacted the health department after noticing a raccoon behaving strangely in the Lake Georgia area of Midway. Both animals tested positive for rabies on June 23.

The residents involved in both incidents are consulting with healthcare providers about their exposure risks. Fortunately, all animals in the home in Chatham County are up to date on their rabies vaccinations.

These incidents are reminders that several species of wild animals in our area can carry rabies, including raccoons, foxes, and bats. Rabies is a potentially deadly virus that is primarily spread by infected animals. The following tips can protect you and your family from rabies:

1. Avoid contact with animals you don’t know.
2. 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.
3. Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans or by leaving pet food out at night.
4. Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home. Do not try to nurse sick animals to health. Call animal services or a properly licensed animal rescue agency for assistance.
5. 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.

Symptoms of rabies in animals include a change in behavior, biting, aggression, showing no fear of natural enemies (such as humans), foaming at the mouth, and paralysis. If an animal ever bites you, seek medical care immediately and contact your local animal services office and local environmental health office.

In Liberty County, you can reach Animal Services at 912-876-9191 and the Liberty County Health Department Environmental Health office at 912-368-5520.