Cherokee County Environmental Health officials reported that a second raccoon this year has tested positive for rabies after coming into contact with dogs. Unfortunately, unlike the first incident, these dogs were not protected against the disease.On June 3, 2011, two dogs living on Evans Cook Road in Canton were exposed to the raccoon when it came onto the property at about 4 p.m.
The raccoon was sent to the Georgia State Laboratory for rabies testing, and the positive results were received by local officials on June 9.
Neither dog was current on its rabies vaccination, therefore, the decision was made by the dogs' owner to have them euthanized.
To protect against rabies, residents are urged to maintain rabies vaccinations in all pets and livestock.
Health officials also warn against handling any unfamiliar animals, whether they appear to be domesticated or from the wild.
For more information about rabies and its prevention, please call the Cherokee County Environmental Health Department at (770) 479-0444. General information about rabies can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website at www.cdc.gov.