Marianna -- A raccoon picked up by Health Department staff on Thursday has tested positive for rabies according to lab results received from the Department of Health Pensacola Branch Lab.

The raccoon fought with a dog at a home on Maddox Rd., South of Marianna. The dog has been placed in quarantine to prevent possible spread of the disease.

T.G. Harkrider, Environmental Health Director at the Jackson County Health Department stated that “anyone having knowledge of bites or other exposure from a suspected rabid animal to humans or to domestic animals should immediately contact the Health Department at 482-9227 during normal working hours”.

The Jackson County Health Department has an answering service to relay information for assistance after hours and on weekends concerning animal bites and other exposure. This answering service can be reached by calling 526-2412. “Please call us with information and questions related to exposure” Harkrider stated emphatically. “We need to act quickly in some cases to save people’s lives. Never shoot a biting animal in the head” he added. “An intact brain is needed to determine if the animal is rabid.

If you shoot them in the head and destroy the brain, we have to assume the animal was rabid. Without negative lab results, treatment to the victim has to begin. Please call us! We are reachable 24 hours a day and 7 days a week through our answering service at 526-2412”.

Residents are also reminded that Jackson County and the State of Florida have laws requiring vaccination of all dogs and cats.