Three rabies cases reported in Madison County

The county animal control department reported that a skunk was destroyed by a homeowner at Sunset Ave and Hill Street in Comer and tested positive for rabies.

On Hwy. 172 near the intersection of Duffell Martin Road, two skunks were observed by the homeowner fighting in a yard during daytime hours. One skunk killed the other. The attacking skunk was killed by the homeowner and later tested positive for rabies. The victim skunk was not tested but more than likely was also rabid, according to animal control.

In a separate incident, a skunk attacked a puppy and was destroyed by the homeowner in the 1100 block of Duffell Martin Road.

The latest rabies cases mark the third consecutive month of confirmed rabid animals in the county. The animal control department also reported two cases of rabies in late August and three in early September.

Animal control officials stress the importance of rabies vaccinations and urge the public to use caution with unknown animals.

Puppies, kittens, and ferrets must be vaccinated at 12 weeks of age. If someone is unsure of the rabies vaccination status on their pet, it is safe to give the animal a booster shot.

Call your local veterinarian or the Madison Oglethorpe Animal Shelter with questions concerning rabies vaccinations.

Georgia state law and the Madison County Animal Control Ordinance require all owners of dogs, cats and ferrets to have current rabies vaccinations. The vaccination must be administered by a licensed veterinarian to be valid.