About The Forest-blade. (Swainsboro, Ga.) 1996-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 10, 2021)
2A The Forest-Blade • ummiEmaniielConntyLive.com • Swainsboro, Georgia • February 10, 2021 Keeping you in the know Rabies Commissioner Toomey briefs elected officials on Covid status In a virtual meeting yesterday with elect ed officials from across Georgia, Dr. Kathleen Toomey Commission er of Public Heath in Georgia provided an update on the status of the Covid 19 pandemic as well as the progress of vaccinations in the state. According to the Commissioner, Georgia is doing much better on infection rates, but the delay in vaccine delivery means that it remains vi tally important that ev eryone continues with washing hands frequent ly, distancing from oth ers, and wearing masks. The recent onset of variant strains of Covid 19 is also being moni tored closely. Cases of the South African strain have not yet been de tected in Georgia. But, the U.K. strain is now being seen in Georgia and reportedly is 40% stronger in transmission rates than the original virus. The good news is that the vaccines now in use continue to be effec tive against all strains of Covid 19. In the hour long dis cussion, Dr. Toomey told Mayors and other elected officials that the plan going forward for vaccinations will be fed erally administered and hopefully delays in pro duction will be eliminat ed. Official estimated of widespread availability of vaccines range from late spring to mid-sum mer. Deputy Hall gets more drugs off the street % 7 TFT "‘ :' • v. ■ DEPUTY HALL WITH CONFISCATED ITEMS On Thursday, Jan. 24, a deputy with the Emanuel County Sheriff's Office responded to an address within the county in ref erence to a report involv ing an animal bite. Prior to the incident occurring, staff from the Betty Gambrell Animal Shelter received a phone call from a male subject, inquiring on if his canine companion had been an intake at the local pound. After animal control responded to the scene, contact was later made with the male subject, who verified that the involved dog was his canine that had escaped from home prior to the incident occurring. Luckily, the involved bite victim and canine both are okay, and nei ther of the two have had any symptoms related to the establishment of rabies. Did you know: All dogs in city limits and Emanuel County are required and must have a rabies shot yearly (it's not a one time shot). The cost of a rabies vaccination is only $14 and can only be administered by a license veterinarian. Listed in the coun ty ordinance, it is out lined that all owners are responsible for getting and having proof of their pet's rabies vaccination. (Article II, Sec. 8-33, No. 6) Codes 1970 and 1990 of the city ordinance (sec. 10-32 through 10-35), states that if any animal control is called about a dog for any reason, they have the right to ask for proof of rabies shot. Failure to provide a shot record for rabies can result in a citation and up to $150 fine. When a bite happens If an animal happens to take a bite at a human, there is a process in which each case is han dled. First, the animal must be confirmed as a stray or a pet. If the ani mal is a stray, usually, the involved animal is euth anized if an owner can not be located. Upon the involved animal being euthanized, brain matter is collected and sent to a lab for further testing to be completed. However, if the pet is someone's fur baby, proper protocols must take place. Medical records kept on file at the involved pet's veter inary office should reflect vaccination and health records and can be pro vided to ensure the pet is up to date on rabies vaccination. If there is no documen tation on file to confirm that the rabies vaccina tion was administered to the involved pet, the ani mal is to be confined for a 10-day period. Usually, if rabies is present, symp toms are noticeable with in 3-5 days. And, still, in some cases, when an ani mal is current on rabies vaccination, a 10-day confinement may still be required just to ensure the animal isn't rabid. “Rabies affects the brain and is transmit ted by saliva. Normally, rabies is not typically found in just any wild animal. For example, it is uncommon for opossums to carry rabies. However, raccoons, foxes and bats (though, bats are more uncommon) are known as being carriers of rabies," Allison Connolly Johnson of McRae's Veterinary Clinic stated. Individuals who have been bit by a rabid ani mal must also under go medical treatment. Previously, shots were administered to bite vic tims in the stomach area. Now, shots are adminis tered to the area in which the bite occurred and are given in series. Rabies prevention is easy! Normally, McRae's Veterinary Clinic office offers a rabies clinic. However, due to the Covid pandemic, the office was unable to offer this service in 2020 but hopes to resume nor mal rabies clinic services in the future, but that shouldn't place a hinder- ance on your pet getting vaccinated for rabies! A pet owner having their pet vaccinated for rabies is as easy as picking up the phone and dialing their local vet's office to set up an appointment. When your pet receives the vaccination, a tag to place on the pet's collar is given to the pet owner to provide verification of current rabies vaccina tion. Rabies vaccinations are also available for individuals as a preven tative protocol for if or when a bite may occur. To inquire more information on obtaining this vacci nation, contact your pri mary healthcare provider today. According to Sher iff Jeffrey Brewer, on Tuesday evening, Feb. 2, 2021, Deputy Josh Hall was patrolling in south Emanuel County. Deputy Hall observed a vehicle speeding. He stopped the vehicle and began a dialog with the driver. While talking with the driver, Deputy Hall observed several indicators which neces sitated further inquiry. During the course of the investigation, Deputy Hall discovered several illegal substances. The driver, Darius K. Allison of Carrolton, Ga., was arrested and charged with possession of mar ijuana with intent to distribute, trafficking methamphetamine, and speeding. The manner in which the items were packaged indicated this was a jail or prison drop. The tobacco, cigars, and wrapping paper are not illegal until they cross a guard line. $10,000 REWARD +*+ FOR INFORMATION LEADING TO THE CONVICTION OF PERSONS FOR THEFT OF TIMBER AND TIMBER PRODUCTS ON THE FARM PROPERTY OF JOHN COLEMAN FLANDERS. FARM 15 LOCATED NEXT TO FISH WHITEHEAD, PENDLETON SPRINGS; WATERS CEMETARY & LEMAN ROADS. CALL EMANUEL COUNTY SHERIFFS ! DEPT 478-237-7526 PRESIDENTS’ DAY SALES★EVENT Mattress Sale January 18th - February 20th Happenings cl *Listed events are subject to change. American Red Cross Blood Drive Durden Banking Company Inc. Twin City February 10 Teen Craft Franklin Memorial Library February 11, 4 p.m. Deana's Dash of Delish Franklin Memorial Library February 19, 10 a.m. L Bobcat Baseball vs. Scoutz Sports Performance Virtual event played from home The Forest-Blade The Forest-Blade is pub lished weekly by Eman uel County Newspapers, Inc., 416 W. Moring Street, Swainsboro, GA. $1.00 per copy, $38 per year in-county and $49 per year out-of-county. POSTMASTER: Send POD Form 3579 to Eman uel County Newspapers, Inc., P.O. Box 938, Swains boro, GA 30401. Telephone 478.237.9971. Periodical Postage paid at Swainsboro, GA 30401. (USPS 204-840)
