Officials are asking anyone who may have bitten or scratched by a rabid feral cat to get in touch with the Environmental Health Division of the Chatham County Health Department.
The rabid feral cat was found in the Towne Lake area of Godley Station and died on Nov. 30. Anyone who may have been exposed to the cat between Nov. 24 and Nov. 29 should come forward. The Chatham County Health Department announced today 10 people have been exposed to the animal.
The Chatham County Health Department offers these tips to protect you and your family from rabies:
- 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 or three years depending on the type of vaccine used.
- 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 help. Call animal control or a properly licensed animal rescue agency for assistance.
- 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.
If an animal ever bites you, seek medical care immediately and contact Chatham County Animal Control at 525.2408 and the Chatham County Health Department Environmental Health Division at 356.2160.
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