Rabies: Know the Facts

What is rabies?

Rabies is a fatal disease caused by a virus that can infect warm-blooded animals. It affects the central nervous system. The rabies virus is present in the saliva of the infected animal. The virus can infect someone through a break in the skin, usually through a bite. However, it can also be transmitted by a scratch or through contact with mucous membranes (eye, mouth, etc.).

Which animals are most likely to get rabies?

Only mammals get rabies. Fish, birds, reptiles, and amphibians do not. Raccoons, skunks, bats, foxes, woodchucks, dogs, cats and some farm animals are most likely to get rabies. Rabbits, opossums, squirrels, rats and mice seldom get it.

How can I tell if a wild animal has rabies?

You should be suspicious of rabies in wild animals showing any abnormal behavior such as excessively friendly behavior, unprovoked aggression, uncoordinated movement or apparent illness. For example, raccoons and skunks are nocturnal animals and are rarely seen during the day. If you see one during the day, stay away.

What can I do to prevent rabies?

Although rabies in wild animals cannot be prevented, you can protect yourself and others by vaccinating your cats and dogs. Humans are often exposed to the rabies virus after their pets have had contact with a rabid wild animal. In Connecticut, it is a state law that all cats and dogs be vaccinated against the rabies virus, and is also required to obtain a license for your dog. Cats are not required to be licensed. The rabies vaccination needs to be kept up to date. By vaccinating your pet, you are creating a buffer zone between wildlife and humans.

Dogs and cats should not be allowed to roam at will, but should be confined to the owner’s property, preferably on a leash or within a fenced area. Confinement will lessen the probability of their having contact with a wild animal. Report strange acting dogs to the local animal control officer.

Discourage wild animals from frequenting residential areas. Do not feed wild animals. Clean up unkempt areas around homes. Do not leave pet food or table scraps outside. Secure garbage can lids. Keep areas around bird feeders as clean as possible.

Do not adopt wild animals as pets. They are a potential rabies threat to their owners and to others. Enjoy wild animals from a distance, even if they seem friendly. Teach your children to stay away from wild animals and domestic animals that they are not familiar with.

If you see an injured or sick animal, resist the temptation to handle it. Injured animals are likely to bite or scratch. In some instances it cannot be determined whether or not the animal is rabid. There have been several incidences in our Health District of Good Samaritans who needed to undergo rabies treatment after helping a sick or injured animal.

What should I do if I’ve been bitten?

Wash the wound immediately and thoroughly with soap and plenty of water. A thorough washing will lessen the chance of infection.

Call your doctor immediately. Explain how you got the bite and follow the physician’s advice. You may need a tetanus booster or antibiotics.

Report the bite to the Pomperaug District Department of Health at 203-264-9616.

If possible, identify and capture the animal without touching the animal. Authorities will need to quarantine or test the animal for the rabies virus. Once you’ve captured the animal, call the local animal control officer for instructions on what to do with the animal. If you must kill the animal, be sure not to damage it’s head so that it’s brain can be examined for the rabies virus.

What should I do if my pet has been bitten?

Do not handle your pet with bare hands. If there is saliva on your pet’s fur, you may become exposed to the rabies virus. Use vinyl, latex or rubber gloves to handle your pet.

Consult your veterinarian immediately.

Report the bite to the local animal control officer immediately.

Keep your pet away from other family members and people until the animal control officer or vet has instructed you what top do. Only one person should handle the pet.

Your pet may need to get a rabies booster.

Depending on you pet’s rabies vaccination status and on the circumstances surrounding the bite, it may need to be confined, quarantined or euthanized. This will need to be determined by the animal control officer on a case-by-case basis.

Important Rabies Phone Numbers

Pomperaug District Department of Health	264-9616
Southbury Animal Control	262-0613
Woodbury Animal Control	263-7350
Oxford Animal Control	881-3653
Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection – Wildlife Division	1-860-424-3495
Connecticut Department of Public Health - Infectious Disease Division	1-860-509-7995
Connecticut Department of Agriculture – Canine Control	1-860-713-2506
Connecticut Department of Agriculture – State Vet (all species)	1-860-713-2504