Year's 6th case of rabies confirmed

Public health officials confirmed Jackson County’s sixth case of rabies last week.

A raccoon killed on Lords Mill Road near Commerce tested positive for the disease. It came into contact with an unvaccinated dog, which was subsequently euthanized.

So far this year, four raccoons, one skunk and one cow have tested positive, and the cases have occurred in all parts of the county.

Public health officials advise residents to make sure all of their dogs and cats are vaccinated — which is also a requirement of the law, and advise residents to avoid any wild animal exhibiting unusual behavior such as aggression, lack of fear of people or appearances at odd times of days. Any incidents of bites from animals should be reported to the health department or to an animal control officer.