In 2001, the number of rabid skunks reported in the U.S. was nearly double that of rabid bats, eMedTV reports.
The state of Georgia delegates most of the responsibility for rabies legislation to local governments. Administrative details may therefore vary between any of Georgia's 159 counties or 500-plus municipalities. However, the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.) does provide some important statewide guidelines.
Pet Innoculations
According to Georgia Code Section 31-19-5, counties must require that pet dogs and cats receive rabies vaccinations.
Animal Bites
If a potentially rabid animal bites you, O.C.G.A. Section 31-19-4 requires that you report the incident to county authorities. If you own an animal that bites somebody or that simply appears to be rabid, you also must report it to authorities and confine the animal.
Rabies Control Officers
According to O.C.G.A. Section 31-19-7, counties must appoint a knowledgeable person as a rabies control officer.
Animal Regulation
Georgia Code Section 31-19-3 states that in the interest of rabies control, counties must require animals to be licensed or otherwise regulated.
Responsibility
O.C.G.A. Section 31-19-1 states that the institution most directly responsible for rabies control is the county board of health.
Introducing Animal Diseases
O.C.G.A. Section 4-4-6 forbids people from knowingly introducing animal diseases such as rabies into Georgia. The law categorizes this offense as a high misdemeanor.
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