|
Pet Owners Guide to Rabies Prevention
Basic fact
• There were nearly 7,000 cases of animal rabies reported in the U.S. in 2006. These animals, mostly wildlife, can expose humans or pets to rabies.
Rabies prevention starts with the animal owner
• All dogs, cats and ferrets should be vaccinated against rabies. Consider vaccinating valuable ivestock and horses. Animals that have frequent contact with humans should be vaccinated.
• You can reduce the possibility of your pets being exposed to rabies by not letting them roam free.
• Spaying and neutering your pets may decrease undesirable behavior.
Reduce the risk of exposure to rabies from wildlife
• Don’t leave garbage or pet food outside, as it may attract wild or stray animals.
• Wild animals generally should not be kept as pets.
• Observe all wild animals from a distance and teach children never to handle unfamiliar animals – even if they appear friendly.
• If you see a wild animal acting strangely, report it to city or county animal control department.
What to do when your pet bites someone
• Contact your local health department or local animal control.
• A dog, cat or ferret that bites a human needs to be examined by a licensed veterinarian immediately.
• The local public health official may require monitoring the pet at home or at a veterinary clinic for 10 days.
• Report immediately any illness or unusual behavior by your pet to the local health department and to your veterinarian.
What to do when your pet gets bitten by another animal
• Consult your veterinarian immediately and have your veterinarian examine your pet and assess your pet’s vaccination needs.
• Contact local animal control if the bite was obtained from a stray or wild animal.
• Keep your pet under your control for a specified time period by state law or local ordinance (normally 45 days or more) if an unvaccinated or wild animal bit your pet.
What to do if you are bitten by an animal
• Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water.
• Contact your physician immediately.
• Report the bite to the local health department. If necessary, you will be assessed for rabies post exposure treatment.
• Prompt and appropriate treatment after being bitten and before the disease develops can stop rabies infection and/or prevent the disease.
|
