Several people in northwest Georgia have been exposed to rabies after coming in contact with a biting and spitting pet llama, state health officials confirm.
WRCB-TV reported Tuesday that a veterinarian was called to a house in Morganton on Dec. 28 because a llama was showing signs of aggression with the animal biting at itself, biting at others and spitting at one of its caretakers.
The llama was euthanized and sent to a diagnostic lab and the Georgia Department of Health for tests.
Shannon Bradburn, an Environmental Health Specialist, was contacted by the Ocoee Animal Hospital in Blue Ridge on Jan. 4 stating that the llama specimen had confirmed positive for the rabies virus.
Officials say the caretaker the llama spat on is receiving post exposure rabies treatment. Authorities say one person who came into contact with the animal experienced very little exposure and will not need treatment.
Officials are waiting to hear from the other two people who were exposed to the virus.
Rabies is almost always deadly in humans who contract it and do not receive treatment.
People must recognize the exposure and promptly get appropriate medical treatment before developing rabies symptoms.
Get more interesting environment and science and space news. Also, follow along with the thousands of others for periodic weather updates, news and notes on Twitter.
Comments