Rabid Coyote Caught in Roswell

Roswell, GA -- The Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness is urging residents in the area of Leita Thompson Memorial Park to avoid contact with wild animals.

The park, located at 1200 Woodstock Road in Roswell, features a dog park, lake and jogging trail.

On Monday, July 11, 2016, a coyote attacked a person in the park. The coyote has been captured and has tested positive for rabies. The department is advising anyone living near or visiting the area to take several precautions.

Rabies is a viral disease of mammals and is transmitted through an infected animal’s bite, scratch or other exposure to the animal’s saliva. Rabies is fatal in humans who are not vaccinated, but rabies is preventable. Appropriate treatment started soon after exposure to a rabid animal will protect a person from the disease. Please keep these rabies prevention and safety tips in mind:

• Keep rabies vaccinations up to date for all pets
• Prevent pets from coming in contact with wild animals by keeping them under direct supervision and not letting them roam free. If your pet is bitten by a wild animal, contact your veterinarian and animal control
• Spay or neuter your pet to help reduce the number of unwanted pets that may not be properly vaccinated
• Don't feed or water your pets outside. Even empty bowls will attract wild and stray animals.
• Keep your garbage securely covered. Open garbage will also attract wild or stray animals.
• Do not keep wild animals such as raccoons, bats, and foxes as pets
• Enjoy all wild animals from a distance and teach children never to handle unfamiliar animals - even if they appear friendly
• If you see a wild animal acting aggressively, report it to animal control officials.
• Report all animal bites to animal control