A dog in Cedar Bluff has tested positive for the Rabies virus, Centre Veterinarian Dr. Jeremy Deaton told WEIS Radio News on Monday that this is the first case involving a domestic animal in the county in over a decade.

Dr. Deaton said that the approximately 6-7 year old Great Dane/Lab mix had no previous record of having ever seeing a Vet or being vaccinated for the disease.

The Alabama Department of Public Health confirmed that the dog tested positive for the disease after being involved in a fight with a raccoon on Friday May, 29 and was bitten in the face.

The dog subsequently developed the disease over the next week, the virus apparently traveled through the optic nerve to the brain.

Deaton said that the Alabama Department of Public Health has contacted all those that were exposed to the animal and they are currently undergoing treatment by doctors.

Dr. Deaton wants to stress to the pet owners the great importance of making sure you animals are vaccinated –

Clinical signs for Rabies that you should watch for in your pets include – sudden change in mental status or behavior, excessive drooling, a staggering or drunk gate and aggression are the most common signs.

The dog in this particular case presented the three most common signs or Rabies when it was brought in on an emergency visit for possible poisoning.

If you notice your pet acting in a strange or abnormal manner – contact you Vet’s Office immediately.