Seeing an animal you suspect may have rabies is frightening. The animal may be acting erratically with several abnormal behaviors. What should you do? First, stay calm. Then take these steps.
What is rabies? Understanding the virus and how it spreads
Rabies is a viral infection affecting mammals, including humans. It is transmitted through saliva, typically via bites and scratches. It is virtually 100% fatal once symptoms begin.
How common is rabies in the United States?
The invention of the rabies vaccine in the 19th century began to reduce rabies cases. Over 90% of cases occur in wildlife; bats, skunks, raccoons, and foxes are the most common “reservoir” species.
Although the number of cases is low nationwide, rabies has never been fully eradicated, and periodic cases will pop up, sometimes multiple cases in an area.
Signs of rabies in animals
An animal with rabies will act strangely. It may stagger and seem unsteady on its feet. It may growl for no apparent reason, spin in a circle, bite itself, or exhibit other erratic behavior. Sometimes it will drool, as its swallowing mechanism is paralyzed.
A particularly dangerous behavior occurs if a wild animal acts tame and approaches humans. Wild animals do not normally approach humans, so do not touch or approach wildlife.
What to do if you see a rabid animal
Do not approach the animal. Do not attempt to touch it, feed it, give it water, or capture it. Keep an eye on the animal from a safe distance to track its whereabouts. Alert neighbors and keep pets away from the suspect animal.
Call 911, which will dispatch the police, sheriff, and animal control departments to deal with it. Not only will animal control officers handle the situation professionally, but they will also alert county health officials. Rabies is a public health danger, and states have protocols for dropping oral vaccines in treats similar to dog biscuits for wildlife to consume and stop the spread of the disease.
What to do if you are bitten or scratched
If you or someone you know is bitten or scratched, wash the wound thoroughly with warm, soapy water for at least 15 minutes. Seek immediate medical attention. Rabies is almost always fatal, but if the patient receives the rabies vaccine shots within the disease’s incubation period, it can be prevented. Once symptoms present, it is inevitably fatal.
How to prevent rabies around your home
After spotting and reporting a suspected rabies case, monitor your area for additional signs and report any to the authorities.
Keep your dogs, cats, and other mammalian pets vaccinated against rabies. Discourage wildlife visits by securing garbage receptacles and not leaving pet food standing outside.
Related – How Cute! Finding Baby Wildlife on Your Property
