Dr. Branch continues to represent MCHD as Rabies Officer 10.29.25
October 29, 2025
Dr. Branch continues to represent MCHD as Rabies Officer
MOBILE, Ala. — Dr. Ann Branch may best be known in the community for her role of helping to save the life of “Gucci,” a dog that was set on fire by a group of teenagers. The incident inspired a bill that made certain types of animal abuses in Alabama felonies and the award-winning documentary titled “A Dog Named Gucci.”
“However, Dr. Branch has played an even larger role over the last 20 years with the Mobile County Health Department,” said Dr. Kevin Michaels, Health Officer for Mobile County. “At this month’s Board of Health meeting, she was again selected to continue her role of administering rabies vaccine to dogs, cats, and ferrets at weekend clinics.”
Dr. Branch first accepted the position in 2003. She said she has had an interest in epidemiology since her senior year in veterinary school. “I enjoy being Mobile County Rabies Officer,” Dr. Branch said. “At one of my rabies clinics, one client asked me if I was ever going to retire. Quickly, my response was, ‘I hope that I will be performing these duties when l take my last breath, God willing!’”
Vaccinating animals reduces the risk of rabies infection should exposure occur; thus, vaccinations protect animals, as well as their owners and caretakers. Rabies prevention is multifaceted. It involves people taking precautions with wildlife, making sure that their pets are current on rabies vaccinations, and always reporting an animal bite or other exposures to their medical provider and the Alabama Department of Public Health.
Dr. Branch collaborates with MCHD’s Bureau of Disease Surveillance and Control, local veterinarians, and animal control agencies to oversee rabies investigations, ensure proper quarantine or testing of animals, and promote public education about rabies prevention.
“Rabies prevention is a necessary and important part of keeping our community safe by reducing the risk of widespread transmission,” said Barbara Gibbs, District Nurse Manager for Infectious Disease and Outbreaks. “By working with veterinarians, law enforcement, and animal control, we can educate the public on the importance of vaccinating pets, seeking medical care immediately after a bite, and recognizing potential exposure risks.”
Dr. Tommie Walker IV, Director of Data Analytics and Epidemiology, emphasized the importance of leadership and coordination in rabies prevention. “Every animal bite report helps us track potential exposures, guide victims to timely care, and prevent human cases. Rabies prevention is truly a shared responsibility,” he said.
Dr. Branch vaccinated 2,866 household pets (2,289 dogs and 577 cats) in 2024. To learn more about the program, visit https://mchd.org/disease-control/#rabies. In addition to vaccination, area residents are advised to take the following precautions to avoid possible exposures to rabies:
• Do not allow pets to run loose; confine them within a fenced-in area or with a leash.
• Do not leave uneaten pet food or scraps near your residence.
• Do not illegally feed or keep wildlife as pets.
• Do not go near wildlife or domestic animals that are acting in a strange or unusual manner.
• Caution children not to go near any stray or wild animal, regardless of its behavior.
Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, but entirely preventable through vaccination and prompt medical treatment. The Animal Bite Report Form, which helps MCHD track the animal, the victim, and the owner, is available on both the Mobile County Health Department and Alabama Department of Public Health websites.