A raccoon found alive roadside along Castleberry Road in Cumming, near the city fairgrounds Sunday has tested positive for Rabies following capture the same day. But it was not caught until after it had bitten at least one person.
“Upon discovering the injured animal roadside on Sunday, a resident attempted to crate the raccoon,”
said Forsyth County Animal Services Manager Haley Brown. “The racoon bit the individual during the
process and was subsequently tested and confirmed positive for Rabies after testing at the State Lab.”
Everyone who came in contact with the animal were referred to their doctor and treated for any exposure.
“Encounters between wild animals and domestic pets, including some that involved people, have
increased recently, so we encourage all residents to have their pets vaccinated against the Rabies Virus
and be educated on what to do if they encounter a potentially rabid animal,” said Brown. “It is highly
discouraged for anyone to attempt handling a wild animal without professional guidance. We ask that
anyone encountering a similar situation with a wild animal to contact the Forsyth County Animal Services
team as Rabies can be life-threatening if not treated.”
It’s not known if the raccoon came in contact with any other animals, wild or domestic, and perhaps infected them.