Rabies

Rabies (Latin, rabies, "madness, rage,fury") is a viral zoonotic disease that causes acute encephalitis (brain swelling) in mammals. In non-vaccinated humans, rabies is almost invariably fatal after neurological symptoms have developed, but prompt post-exposure vaccination may prevent the virus from progressing.

The virus is usually transmitted by a bite from a rabid animal.

Prompt and appropriate treatment, after being bitten and before the disease develops, can stop the infection and prevent the disease in people.

Not all rabid animals foam at the mouth and appear mad. Infected animals can be very calm and tame.

Only mammals get rabies. Birds, fish, reptiles and amphibians do not.

Humans

Improved rabies vaccination and animal control programs and better treatment for people who have been bitten can reduce the number of human rabies cases .

Dogs are still a significant source of rabies in many countries. Most cases of rabies occur in wild animals, mainly skunks, raccoons, bats and foxes

Controlling Rabies

Have your veterinarian vaccinate your cats, dogs, ferrets, and selected livestock. Keep the vaccinations up-to-date. Your veterinarian will advise you on the recommended or required frequency of vaccination in your locality.

Reduce the possibility of exposure to rabies by keeping your animals on your property. Don't let pets roam free. Don't leave garbage or pet food outside because it may attract wild or stray animals.

Wild animals should not be kept as pets. They are a potential rabies threat to their owners and to others. Observe all wild animals from a distance, even if they seem friendly.

A rabid wild animal may act tame. Don't go near it. If you see a wild animal acting strangely, report it to the city or county animal control department.

What to do - If You Have Been Bitten

Don't panic — but don't ignore the bite either. Wash the wound thoroughly and vigorously with soap and lots of water.

If possible, capture the animal under a large box or can, or at least try to identify it before it runs away. Don't try to pick the animal up. Call the local animal control authorities to come and get the animal.

If it is a wild animal, try to capture it if you can do so safely without being bitten again. If the animal cannot be captured and it must be killed to prevent its escape, don't damage the head. The brain will be needed to test for rabies.

Call your physician immediately. Explain how you were bitten and follow the physician's advice.

Report the bite to the local health department.

What to do -If Your Pet Has Been Bitten

Immediately consult your veterinarian.

Report the bite to the local animal control authorities.

Dogs, cats and ferrets that are currently vaccinated should be revaccinated immediately, kept under the owner's control, and observed for a period as specified by state law or local ordinances (normally 45 days or more).

Animals with expired vaccinations will need to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Unvaccinated dogs, cats and ferrets exposed to a rabid animal may need to be euthanatized immediately. Alternatively, the animal should be checked and immediately placed in strict isolation for 6 months and vaccinated 1 month before being released.

If bitten by a rabid animal, other animals should be euthanatized immediately.

What to do - If Your Pet Has Bitten Someone

Urge the victim to see a physician immediately and to follow the physician's recommendations.

Report the bite to the local health department and animal control authorities. If your pet is a cat, dog or ferret, the officials will confine the animal and watch it closely for 10 days. Home confinement may be allowed. Immediately report any illness or unusual behavior with your pet to your local health department and veterinarian. Don't let your pet stray, and don't give your pet away. The animal must be available for observation by public health authorities or a veterinarian.

Check with your veterinarian to be sure your pet's vaccinations are up-to-date.

After the recommended observation period, have your pet vaccinated for rabies if it does not have a current rabies vaccination.

Avoiding Dog Bites:

Never approach a strange dog, especially one who's tied up or confined behind a fence or in a car.

Don't pet a dog, even your own, without letting him or her see and sniff you first.

Never turn your back to a dog and run away. A dog's natural instinct is to chase and catch fleeing prey.

Don't disturb a dog while he or she is sleeping, eating, chewing on a toy, or caring for puppies.

Be cautious around strange dogs. Always assume that a dog who doesn't know you may see you as an intruder or as a threat.

When dog try to attack you:

Never scream and run. Remain motionless, hands at your sides, and avoid eye contact with the dog.

Remain motionless with your hands at your sides until the dog loses interest in you, then slowly back away until he or she is out of site.

If the dog does attack, "feed" him or her your jacket, purse, or anything that you can put between yourself and the dog.

If you fall or are knocked to the ground, curl into a ball with your hands over your ears and remain motionless. Try not to scream or roll around.