4 people in Ga. exposed to rabid llama

MORGANTON, Ga. (AP) - State health officials say four people in northwest Georgia have been exposed to rabies by a pet llama.

Officials say a veterinarian was called to a house in Morganton on Dec. 28 because a llama was showing signs of aggression - biting at itself, biting at others and spitting at 1 of its caretakers.

The llama was euthanized and sent to a diagnostic lab and the Georgia Department of Health.

Officials say the caretaker the llama spat on is receiving post exposure rabies treatment. Authorities say one person who came into contact with the animal experienced very little exposure and will not need treatment.

Officials are waiting to hear from the other two people who were exposed to the virus, and say untreated rabies is almost always deadly in humans.

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