Rabid raccoon found in Autauga County

State health officials say a rabid raccoon has been found in Autauga County and they are urging pet owners to make sure their animals are protected.

The Alabama Department of Public Health says the raccoon tested positive for rabies on May 2. A property owner in the general vicinity of Highway 82 and County Road 40 noticed the raccoon acting strangely near the old Henderson grocery store.

In December 2023, a kitten in this same general area of Autauga County tested positive for rabies following an encounter with a positive raccoon. This area of Autauga County has seen an increase in rabies cases and is under enhanced surveillance by the USDA National Rabies Management Team.

Dr. Dee W. Jones, State Public Health Veterinarian, says vaccinating animals is the primary way to reduce risks to pets and livestock. He also reminds the public that ADPH can help facilitate testing of any animal in the area that is suspected of having rabies.

Alabama state law requires that dogs, cats and ferrets 12 weeks of age and older be current with rabies vaccination. The first rabies vaccination is only good for one year, regardless of which vaccine a pet receives. Vaccinating animals reduces the risk of rabies infection should an exposure occur; thus, vaccinations help protect animals, as well as their owners and caretakers.

On Saturday, May 4, the County Rabies Officer for Autauga County, Dr. Allison Trotter, D.V.M., of Animal Medical Clinic, will be hosting reduced-cost rabies clinics at the following locations:

· Billingsley Junction (8 a.m. – 9 a.m.)
· Marbury Middle School (8 a.m. – 9 a.m.)
· Vida (9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.)
· White City (9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.)
· Booth Fire Department (10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.)
· Posey’s Crossroads (11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)
· Prattville Farm Center (12 p.m. – 1 p.m.)
· Prattville Elementary School (1 p.m. – 2 p.m.)

The fee is $12 per animal. Please keep all dogs on leashes and all cats in boxes when attending one of these clinics. For more information on the Autauga County rabies clinics, visit the Autauga County Health Department

Rabies prevention is multifaceted. It involves people taking precautions with wildlife, making sure their pets are current on rabies vaccinations, and always reporting an animal bite or other exposure to their medical provider or ADPH. In addition to vaccination, area residents are advised to take the following precautions 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.

For more information about rabies and prevention, please contact ADPH at (334) 206-5969 or visit ADPH Infectious Diseases and Outbreaks