Recent surveillance for rabies in the raccoon population near Columbiana in Shelby County has revealed three positive cases. The current area of focus includes a two-mile radius around the Beeswax Creek boat launch area, where the most recent of the positive raccoons was discovered.

The ongoing surveillance is being conducted by the USDA Wildlife Services (WS) along with the Alabama Department of Public Health. The surveillance began in response to a rabid puppy found in February that was confirmed to be infected with a raccoon variant of the rabies virus.

The primary concern is that these positive cases have been found in an area where raccoon rabies is not typically found. According to Dana Johnson, a USDA WS biologist, the primary focus will be expanding the surveillance areas to try to determine the extent that the rabies virus has spread.

DOTHAN, AL (WSFA) - A Houston County Farm that helps abused animals needs your help - the farm is having trouble making ends meet and without them, local law enforcement would have no options when dealing with animal cruelty cases.

Currently there are more than a dozen horses that have been rescued and taken to Camp DD to be  nursed back to health. Many of the rescued animals were seized by the Houston County Sheriff's Office - due to budget cuts, the Sheriff's Office has to turn to this farm for help in any cases of animal cruelty in the county.

The non-profit organization that runs Camp DD, SEAL Cares & Animal Rescue, says the group tries to rescue as many horses as possible - but their budget is tight.

The Alabama State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners will vote on Oct. 10 whether to continue to allow low-cost spay/neuter clinics to continue to operate in the state... Read More