A rabid coyote was captured in Roswell.
The coyote, which bit a person in the city’s Leita Thompson Memorial Park on Monday, tested positive for rabies after its capture, the Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness said. It was euthanized.
Fulton County warned residents to avoid contact with wild animals. Anyone who lives near the park, or is visiting the area, should keep pets’ rabies vaccinations up-to-date and should keep pets from coming in contact with wild animals by not letting them roam free.
They should also keep their garbage covered and should not feed or water their pets outside.
If residents see a wild animal acting aggressively, or they or their pet are bitten, they should report it to animal control by calling 404-613-0358.
Rabies can be fatal in humans, but treatment started soon after someone has been exposed can prevent the disease. It is a viral disease of mammals that it transmitted through an infected animal’s bite, scratch or other exposure to the animal’s saliva.
The park where the coyote attacked a person, which has a dog park, lake and jogging trail, is at 1200 Woodstock Road in Roswell.
For more information, see http://dph.georgia.gov/rabies or contact Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness at 404-730-1391.
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