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Rabies Prevention & Advice
Definition of Rabies
Rabies is a viral disease that infects the brain and results in death.
What it Affects
Rabies can infect:
- Humans
- Dogs
- Cats
- Livestock and any other mammal.
- Bats
Transmission
The rabies virus is carried in the saliva of an infected animal and can
be transmitted when the animal bites or scratches another animal or
person. The saliva from an infected animal coming in contact with any
area such as an open wound or skin break can transmit the virus.
Animals that Carry Rabies
Skunks and bats are the most common wild animals found to have rabies,
though any mammal can carry the virus. Livestock, like cattle and
horses, may be vaccinated against rabies, but may have to be tested if
suspected to be rabid.
Symptoms - Warning Signs
A dog or cat that is infected with rabies may transmit the disease for
several days before symptoms appear. The earliest sign of rabies is a
change in behavior. This change in behavior may be very subtle, so it is
extremely important to wash and report all animal bites.
Two Behavior Types of Rabies
Furious Rabies
Behavior is aggressive and excitable. The animal can suddenly attack
when approached.
Dumb Rabies
Unusually shy or approachable, sluggish, confused, and/or depressed.
Other Symptoms
Excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth, and paralysis.
Protecting Pets
Vaccination
Getting your dogs and cats vaccinated is their best protection against
the rabies virus. Dogs and cats should be vaccinated when they are four
months old and revaccinated a year later. Vaccination shots do not last
the lifetime of your pet. Revaccination is required every 1 to 3 years.
In Wisconsin, all dogs are required to be vaccinated and in Madison,
cats must also be vaccinated.
Additional Protection
Keep wild and unfamiliar animals away from your pets. Don't bring
stray animals home.
Protect Yourself
Vaccination
People do not need to be vaccinated from rabies unless they are exposed
to the virus. The best protection for people against rabies is to get
their pets vaccinated.
Precautions
- Avoid wild animals.
- Avoid any animal with symptoms of rabies.
- Do not approach or touch unfamiliar animals.
- Do not take in stray animals.
- Block any openings into your house that an animal may get in through.
- Keep tamper-proof lids on outside garbage cans so animals are not attracted to your property.
Human Exposure to Rabies
If you have been bitten or scratched by an animal:
- Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water.
- Contact the City Health Department where it is reported to an Animal Services Officer. If no Animal Services Officer is on duty, contact Police Dispatch at 608-255-2345. You should also contact your physician immediately.
If the animal is wild:
- Keep an eye on the animal so that it can be captured. It is okay for you to capture the animal if you can do so without being bitten again.
- If it is necessary to kill the animal, avoid damaging the head so it may be sent to a lab for examination.
- If the test results come back positive for rabies, you will need to be vaccinated immediately.
- If the animal did not have rabies, you were not exposed at the time of the incident.
- If the animal was not captured, it is assumed that the animal was rabid and you will need to be vaccinated immediately.
If the animal is domestic:
- Determine if the animal is currently vaccinated by checking the rabies tag on the collar or having the owner call his/her veterinarian.
- All domestic animals involved in a human exposure incident need to be placed on a 10-day quarantine.
- The pet needs to be examined by a veterinarian before, during and after the quarantine.
- If the animal exhibits no signs of rabies, it was not contagious at the time of the incident and you were not exposed.
- If the animal shows signs of rabies, it will be euthanized and you need to be vaccinated immediately.
Pet Exposure to Rabies
Rabid Pets
Contact your veterinarian and Animal Services if you suspect your pet of
having rabies. Keep children and other people away from the pet until it
is examined by a veterinarian. The pet will be quarantined if it was
exposed to a rabid animal. It must be isolated from other animals and
human contact limited. There are two types of quarantines for pets which
have been exposed to another rabid animal:
60-day quarantine
A pet currently vaccinated for rabies is placed in a 60-day quarantine
and is to be immediately revaccinated. 6 month quarantine
A pet not currently vaccinated is placed in a 6 month quarantine. It is
not to be vaccinated until the 5th month. If the pet is suspected of
having rabies, it is euthanized. Prevention is the Best Medicine . .
. and that's what public health is all about.
Prevention will help save you money, pain and your life. If you have questions or concerns about a health issue, contact the Health Department, a veterinarian or physician.