DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — A dead bat tested positive for rabies on Aug. 21 in the Terry Mill Road area of DeKalb County, according to the county’s Animal Enforcement Services. Terry Mill Road is south of Glenwood Avenue and west of Interstate 20. Georgia is a rabies-endemic state, meaning the rabies virus lives and circulates in local wild animal populations throughout the year. “Residents should make sure pets are up to date for preventative vaccination and should eliminate outdoor feeding stations and access to garbage cans,” county officials said. “Anyone who has been bitten or scratched by an animal should seek medical attention immediately.” Residents are asked to watch pets and contact DeKalb County Animal Control if unusual behavior occurs. Wild animal trapping will only occur if a domestic pet or person has been bitten or scratched. Rabies is a disease that affects the brain. It’s usually passed from animal to animal but can be passed from animals to people. The virus is spread through saliva, usually from a bite of an animal that has the disease. Vaccinations are effective in protecting humans and pets from the virus. Residents are responsible for vaccinating pets every year and registering the tag with DeKalb County Animal Control. For more information or to report any animal bite, contact DeKalb County Animal Control at 404-294-2996, ext. 2, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday through Friday. Call 404-294-2519 outside of those hours. Want Decaturish delivered to your inbox…
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