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Rabies

Your local Health Department works with animal control to investigate animal exposure reports and submits specimens to the state laboratory for rabies testing. We work with pet owners to ensure proper confinement and quarantines are conducted to protect public health and offer outreach and education about rabies to the community.

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Rabies Awareness Week:
September 23-29, 2013

How can you help prevent rabies?

Vaccinate your pet (Local Veterinary Offices)
Maintain control of your pets to reduce their exposure to wildlife
Spay or neuter to decrease the number of stray animals
Report any stray or ill animals to animal control

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CDC: Protect Your Family from Rabies

Rabies is a deadly disease that can be prevented but not cured. It is 100% fatal if not treated. It is caused by a virus that lives in the saliva and brain of rabid animals. It can be transmitted through bites, some scratches, and by getting saliva or brain tissue into an open wound or in the eyes, nose, or mouth. If you are not sure if you have been exposed, contact your local health department to discuss.

If you think you have been exposed

Remain Calm

Wash the wound with soap and lots of water. Washing thoroughly will greatly lessen the chance of infection.
If the animal is:

A dog, cat, or ferret and is with its owner - Get the owner’s name, address, phone number, rabies vaccination information, etc.
A wild animal—Try to safely trap the animal and do not let it get away. Bats have small sharp teeth so it is hard to know if you have been bitten, especially if you wake up to find it flying around in your bedroom.
A stray or animal that runs away— Remember where you were when bitten, what the animal looks like, what direction it went, etc.

Call your doctor immediately. Report the incident to the local health department or local animal control as soon as possible.