Latest news with #HaleyBrown
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Raccoon tests positive for rabies in Forsyth County, officials say
Forsyth County officials captured a raccoon this week and after tests, officials say the animal tested positive for rabies. The raccoon was found alive roadside along Castleberry Road in the City of Cumming, near the city fairgrounds, according to Forsyth County Animal Services Manager Haley Brown. 'Upon discovering the injured animal roadside on Sunday, a resident attempted to crate the raccoon,' Brown said. 'The racoon bit the individual during the process and was subsequently tested and confirmed positive for Rabies after testing at the State Lab.' [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Anyone believed to have come into contact with the animal was referred to their healthcare provider and subsequently treated for any exposure. Officials say encounters between wild animals and domestic pets have increased recently and they are encouraging neighbors to ensure their pets are vaccinated against the virus. 'It is highly discouraged for anyone to attempt handling a wild animal without professional guidance,' Brown said. '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.' TRENDING STORIES: Man dead after shooting inside DeKalb County apartment complex lobby Metro Atlanta college football player dies after battle with cancer, team says Major crash shuts down all I-75/I-85 SB lanes in midtown Atlanta To report a wild, or domesticated, animal acting strangely, avoid the animal and contact Forsyth County Animal Services at (770) 781-2138. If it is after business hours, you're asked to contact the Forsyth County 911 Center after-hours line at (770) 781-3087. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Feral cat tests positive for rabies after capture in Alpharetta
The Forsyth County Government announced Tuesday that a feral cat had tested positive for rabies and issued a health warning. According to the county, the cat was found near the intersection of Atlanta Highway and McFarland Parkway in Alpharetta and was captured on Jan. 29. When the animal was examined, it was tested positive for rabies. County officials said a resident saw the cat and trapped it before bringing it in for a check-up. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: Lawmaker files bill to keep Georgians from paying tax on inherited vehicles Georgia lawmakers file bill to extend opt-out deadline for homestead exemptions Georgia Rep. proposes new bill to ban traffic cameras in school zones 'The resident brought the cat into the Pet Resource Center, and it suffered a medical complication that was consistent with an animal presenting with Rabies,' said Forsyth County Animal Services Manager Haley Brown. 'The prompt observation and testing yielded a positive result, and we encourage others to come forward if their animals are symptomatic.' For those potentially exposed to risks related to rabies, public health officials will provide a notification and encourage seeking medical attention, if needed. '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,' officials said. The rabies virus is transmittable when introduced to bite wounds, open cuts or mucous membranes like the eyes or mouth and can be transmitted via bite. Anyone who sees a wild animal acting strangely is asked to report it to Forsyth County Animal Services at 770-781-2138 and to avoid the animal. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
