Rabies Case Confirmed in Athens-Clarke County: Authorities Alert Residents
A recent discovery in Athens-Clarke County has raised concerns as officials confirmed a rabies case involving a community cat. The cat was captured near the border of Athens-Clarke and Oconee counties earlier this month.
The Athens-Clarke County Unified Government Animal Services Department reported that an officer was dispatched to the Westwood Avenue area in Bogart, close to Atlanta Highway, on Sunday, March 8, 2026. The officer encountered a white domestic shorthair cat marked with brown tabby patterns, displaying aggressive behavior.
Following the capture, the Animal Services team sent the cat to the University of Georgia for rabies testing, which confirmed the presence of the virus.
Rabies is a serious viral infection that is mainly spread through bites or scratches from infected animals. If untreated, it is almost always fatal to humans. Infected animals may exhibit signs such as excessive drooling, unusual aggression or friendliness, limping, and other abnormal behaviors.
Officials urge anyone who may have come into contact with a white cat with brown tabby markings in the vicinity of Westwood Avenue to seek advice from a healthcare provider or veterinarian. Residents are also reminded to ensure their pets are vaccinated against rabies.
