Hot Topic: Rabies: What You Should Know
For any animal lover, it may be hard to resist the sight of a baby raccoon or any other stray animal wandering through our backyards. But unfortunately, it can be impossible to tell if that unknown animal might be infected with the deadly rabies virus and could pass that virus to you.
Raccoons are common carries of rabies, and are particularly active this time of year during their mating season. This is also a time when you're more likely to find baby raccoons, but even babies can be infected with rabies. Your safest bet is always to avoid contact with wild or unfamiliar animals, and call your county's Animal Control office if you have concerns or questions.
Another crucial step in rabies prevention is vaccinating your pets against rabies every year. Not only does rabies vaccination protect your animals, but it also protects your family. If your pet were exposed to rabies, he or she might pass that virus along to your family before even showing any symptoms.
If you or a pet is ever bitten or scratched by a wild or unfamiliar animal, seek medical attention right away. Rabies can be treated in humans, but only if the treatment is started before symptoms appear. Without treatment, rabies is almost always fatal.
To keep you and your family safe from rabies:
• Do NOT handle, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans or by leaving pet food out overnight.
• Never bring wild animals into your home. Call Animal Control or an animal rescue agency for assistance.
• Teach children to NEVER handle unfamiliar animals – wild or domestic – even if they appear friendly.
• Keep vaccinations up to date for all dogs, cats, and ferrets. It’s the law – and it’s an important protection for you and your pets.
• Report all animal bites to the police department, and call your county Health Department to discuss your risk of rabies.
Find out more about rabies by downloading this rabies Question and Answer sheet, or visiting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's rabies info page.
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