Categories: PETS

Dog positive for rabies in Pike County

PIKE COUNTY, Ala. (WSFA) – A bulldog in Pike County has tested positive for rabies, according to the Alabama Department of Public Health.

Troy Animal Control responded to County Road 7708 Monday after the dog’s owner called saying it was acting unusually aggressive toward other animals in the area.

ADHP officials are trying to identify the strain of rabies, but Dr. Dee W. Jones, a state public health veterinarian, says it is most likely a racoon strain.

“The concern is always heightened when we have spillover from the wildlife into domestic animals because that increases the risk of human exposure exponentially,” Dr. Jones said.

ADHP officials say they are monitoring other dogs that live nearby for signs of rabies and are urging people in the area to keep their pets up-to-date on the rabies vaccine.

In addition to vaccination, ADHP is advising pet owners to take the following steps to avoid possible exposure to rabies:

Do not allow pets to run loose; confine them within a fenced-in area or with a leash.
Do not leave uneaten pet food or scraps near your residence.
Do not illegally feed or keep wildlife as pets.
Do not go near wildlife or domestic animals that are acting in a strange or unusual manner.
Caution children not to go near any stray or wild animal, regardless of its behavior.

Alabama state law requires that dogs, cats and ferrets 12 weeks and older be kept up-to-date with the rabies vaccine.

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Doggone Well Staff