News 12 at 11 o'clock, July 21, 2008

COLUMBIA CTY, Ga.---A coyote that attacked cows in Columbia County last week is confirmed as rabid.

The attack happened on Pete Knox's farm - that's located just off of Scott's Ferry Road.

Pete Knox has had cattle for about 50 years now and up until now he's never had an issue with them. But because of the rabid coyote he's now taking measures to ensure the remainder of his cows are safe. He even had the unfortunate task of putting down one of his cows Monday afternoon.

"This cow was there and was running a fever so we elected to go ahead and put her her down,"says Knox. "There was a little bit of blood around her nose and face and there was some scratches."

Knox herds cattle as a hobby and pastime and says its unfortunate it happened, but at least now people can be on the lookout for "other" possible rabid animals.

"Fortunately someone was there to see and fortunately we go it tested and we know it was positive that's all good," he adds. "I have grandchildren we're down there all the time riding four wheelers and motor scooters,and so it could have been worse yeah."

The cattle that may have been in contact with the rabid coyote will be quarantined for at least six months - this is the first case in Columbia County of a rabid coyote.

If an animal is rabid - it will start to show signs anywhere from 21 days to two months or in some cases even earlier. Knox says that he's already alerted his neighbors so they can be on the lookout as well.