Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the
nervous system. The virus is present in the saliva and nervous tissue
of a rabid animal.
It is most often seen amoung wild mammals such as raccoons, bats,
skunks, foxes and bats. Cats, dogs ferrets and livestock can also get
rabies if they are not vaccinated to protect them. The first sign of
rabies is usually a change in the animal's behavior. It may become
unusually aggressive or unusually tame. The animal may lose fear of
people and natural enemies. It may become excited, irritable and snap
at anything in its path. Or it may appear affectionate and friendly.
Staggering, convulsions, spitting, choking, frothing at the mouth and
paralysis are sometimes noted. Many animals have a marked change in
voice. The animal usually dies within one week after showing signs of
rabies.
People usually get exposed to the rabies virus when an infected
animal bites them. Exposure may also occur if saliva enters a scratch,
open cut or mucous membrane (eyes, nose, mouth). If you think you have
been exposed, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and seek
medical attention immediately. Contact your doctor and your county
health department immediately. Try to capture the animal without
damaging its head or risking further exposure. If an apparently
healthy domestic pet bites a person it must be captured, confined and
observed daily for ten days following the bite. If your pet has been
in a fight with another animal, wear gloves to handle it. Isolate it
from other animals and people for several hours. Call your
veterinarian. Your pet will need a booster immunization within 5 days
of the exposure. Unvaccinated animals exposed to a known or suspected
rabid animal must be confined for six months or humanely destroyed.
Don't feed or touch or adopt wild animals, stray dogs or cats. Be
sure your pets are up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations. Keep pets
indoors at night. Feed pets indoors. Tightly cap or put away garbage
cans. Board up openings to your attic, basement, porch or garage. Cap
your chimney with a screen. Encourage children to immediately tell an
adult if they are bitten by an animal. Tell them not to touch any
animal they do not know. If a wild animal is on your property, let it
wander away. Bring children and pets indoors and alert neighbors who
are outside.
For more information see the following link.
