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.
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