"Rabies, Designated Animal Vectors Here in Georgia"

As the weather warms here in Georgia, outbreaks of the Rabies virus will become increasingly prevalent. According to the CDC, it is a preventable viral disease usually transmitted through the bite of an infected animal. The State Department of Natural Resources has designated several species of wildlife as Vectors, or Intermediary hosts that carry the disease from one species to another. Coyotes, Foxes, Bobcats, Raccoons, Bats, Rats, Skunks, Feral and Un vaccinated dogs and cats make up a list of these animals wild and domestic. The symptoms of this disease in animals include minor behavioral changes in the first 3 days or so. As the disease progresses, the animal enters a stage of severe aggression and agitation. They become hypersensitive to sound and movement. In the paralytic phase, the brain swells and complete paralysis is followed by death(http://www.ehow.com/list_5958298_signs-rabies-fox.html). Rabies is transferred to humans by the above animals either biting or scratching the victim. Both dogs and cats lick their feet and if infected, the virus is then present on their nails. So, a scratch can be just as effective in transmitting the virus as a bite. If one is bitten by any of the above animals, they should try to kill the beast. However, the head of the animals should not be struck or shot since the brain is where the testing is done. The Post Exposure Rabies Series is very expensive. I've seen costs run from $5000 up to $9200 depending on the state. One reason is that the vaccine is in short supply. I know a landowner who was forced into his lake by a rabid raccoon. He swam around the point, went home and got his rifle and came back and ended that problem. If you have never seen a Human with Rabies, it is very graphic and shocking. I will post a video of an actual patient in the last stages of the disease but be warned that it is very disturbing. If you encounter a domestic or wild animal that is very aggressive, and not acting natural, get away from it and contact Animal Control. If it is foaming at the mouth, drooling excessively and tries to attack you, put it down if you are armed. But do not touch the animal. I see on the Patch here about dogs and cats that get out of their owner's pens. Many of these owners do not get their pets vaccinated and there are alot of roaming and feral dogs in Walton county that will contract Rabies this year. Most of them will contact it from attacks by Wildlife. On my Wildlife Control jobs, I do not take chances of getting scratch or bitten. I am also armed every time I enter the woods for this reason. I encountered one Feral Bitch dog last year that acted like she was possessed. She was acting very aggressive and unnatural. I made the decision to put her down because I didn't want her attacking another human, child or pet. Unfortunate but sometimes necessary. If you are the outdoors type, enjoy Nature, but be vigilant and prepared.
   TRACTOR SUPPLY STORES have Rabies vaccinations available on certain Saturdays each month. Contact them for details. I believe the shots are $10.

Yes, I put these video's on here to scare the Hell out of some people because this disease scares the Hell out of Me. If this saves one life, it will be worth it.

http://youtu.be/-moG6JDmJdc  Rabies in a Human

http://youtu.be/JZj3C0MMQVA

http://youtu.be/oBn385Mun6A

http://youtu.be/Yux7MHWsUY8  Cat with Rabies

IF YOU ARE SCRATCHED OR BITTEN SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL HELP. People who are in the business of rescuing roaming animals on their own are especially at high risk. If you do not seek medical attention, Mortality is 99.999999%.