A coyote tested has tested positive for rabies after three incidents in the Buford area several days ago.
GWINNETT CO. GOVERNMENT NEWS RELEASE:
“During the first incident, a resident and a dog were injured in an attack near Holland Park Drive. Additional attacks involving two residents and another dog occurred at 6 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. on Dec. 27 near Wyncliff Court and Bennies Way in Buford.
Diseases like rabies can be transmitted to humans and pets through bites or scratches from wild animals such as foxes and raccoons. Gwinnett County Animal Welfare and Enforcement and GNR Public Health advise residents to use caution and avoid animals behaving in unusual ways.
All pet owners should ensure that their pets are current on rabies vaccination. According to the National Association of State Health Veterinarians, unvaccinated dogs and cats exposed to a rabid animal must be strictly quarantined for four months and vaccinated one month prior to being released.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the rabies virus attacks the central nervous system and is almost always fatal in humans if untreated. Early symptoms of rabies in people include fever, headache and general weakness or discomfort.
If you have been bitten or scratched by any stray animals or suspected rabid animal, immediate preventive treatment is necessary.”