Racoons seen in the daytime may be rabid.
Approximately 50,000 people die from rabies every year. An ancient disease, rabies is well documented in Egyptian writings dating back to 2300 B.C. Rabies is an infectious viral disease that affects the nervous system of mammals. It is transmitted through saliva. Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, so prevention and control are crucial. Individuals exposed to rabies, usually through a bite or a scratch, must seek medical attention immediately.
Instructions
1. Recognize the signs and symptoms of rabies. An animal infected with the rabies virus first shows flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache, fatigue and general discomfort. As the virus spreads, the animal will become confused, anxious and agitated. It may exhibit unstable or unusual behavior, such as delirium, hallucinations, insomnia and hydrophobia. It may begin to drool and "foam at the mouth," have trouble walking or attempt to bite people, pets, or other animals. Wild animals with rabies may show no fear of people, and rabid nocturnal animals may be out during the day.
2. Stay away from the animal. If you think an animal may have rabies, do not touch, feed or handle the animal in any way. Keep your children and pets from coming into contact with the animal.
3. Contact your local animal control agency immediately if you think an animal may be rabid. Keep the animal confined and away from people and other animals until it can be examined by a veterinarian. In the case of a bat found on the ground, place something over it to contain it until authorities arrive.
4. Seek medical attention immediately if you or your pet has been bitten or scratched by a potentially rabid animal. Consult your veterinarian to see if your pet's vaccinations are up to date. Even if currently vaccinated, dogs and cats should be kept under observation for 45 days, so do not let your pet roam free or give it away. Pets with expired vaccinations should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
5. Do your part to prevent the spread of rabies. Unfortunately, wild animals and unvaccinated pets that have been exposed to a rabid animal should be euthanized immediately. If a pet owner is unwilling to have this done, the animal can be placed in strict isolation for six months and vaccinated one month before being released. If you or your pet has been attacked by a rabid animal, you must report it to your local health department and animal control authorities. Try to safely gather as much information about the animal as possible. The best way to protect yourself and your community from a rabies outbreak is control and prevention. Vaccinate your pets against rabies and keep those vaccinations up to date.
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