Summer has officially begun and that means people and their pets will be enjoying the longer days by spending time outside with their pets, putting them closer to wildlife and possible exposure to rabies.
Officials announced that on June 19, a rabid racoon, in the area of Calloway Road in Evans, attacked two dogs. The dogs owners were able to provide documentation that the animals were vaccinated against the fatal disease and so the pets did not have to be euthanized.
At this same time last year, as well as in 2023, 2022 and 2021, rabid animals were discovered from North Augusta to Lake Olmstead, as well as all over Columbia County. Aiken County alone had 31 cases of rabies reported by this time on the calendar in 2022.
One species that locals rarely encounter is the bat, but with more and more of their forest habitat being developed, officials are warning people to be on the lookout for the furry fliers with fangs.
Rabies Program Team Leader at DHEC Terri McCollister said rabies in bats presents a particular challenge because the creatures are so small.
“People don’t always realize they or a pet have been bitten since bat teeth are tiny and bites are easy to overlook,” she said. “Because of this, you should always assume a person or pet has potentially been bitten when they wake to find a bat in their room or tent.”
Generally, a bat would never attack a human or even a pet as their diet consists mainly of mosquitoes and other insects; however, the onset of rabies confuses the animals to the point they will attack anything that moves.
McCollister also warns of people carelessly leaving trash unsecured or pet food out overnight as it attracts racoons; the creatures get used to seeing humans and lose their natural fear and some people think it is “cute” having a nocturnal visitor begging on the back porch.
“Wild animals can be dangerous by nature, so they have the potential to seriously injure the owner, children, or guests without warning through bites or scratches,” said McCollister. “This behavior can also be triggered when an otherwise peaceful animal is startled, injured or sick. Bite wounds and scratches from animals can become infected which may lead to severe illness needing medical care.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control, rabies is a viral infection that attacks the brain and central nervous systems, and if untreated leads to paralysis and certain death once symptoms manifest themselves, which can take up to two weeks.
The virus is carried in the animals saliva, but can be transferred by a simple scratch from the animal’s claws.
The cost to treat an infected human can cost upwards of $10,000.
According to the Georgia Department of Health and Public Safety, state law requires that all owners of dogs and cats have their pets vaccinated against rabies in accordance with the national Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control.
Scott Hudson is the Senior Investigative Reporter and Editorial Page Editor for The Augusta Press. Reach him at scott@theaugustapress.com
