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Rabies

Spring has arrived! Along with it, there has been a resurgence of rabies. While numbers of rabid animals had fallen off over the last few years, several cases have diagnosed in skunks and raccoons already this season. Quinnipiack Valley Health District reminds you that it is important to take certain actions to protect yourself and your pet against rabies.

One of the most important actions you can take is to protect your pets from rabies through vaccination. This helps to create a barrier between you and the disease. Pet owners need to be vigilant about getting their animals vaccinated. All young cats and dogs require vaccination at three months with a booster a year later. Older animals are vaccinated annually (or every three years, depending on the vaccine used.) If your pet's vaccination status is not up-to-date, and it tangles with a rabid animal (or suspect rabid animal) your pet may have to be quarantined away from your family for up to six months, at your expense.

Be cautious in your interactions with wild animals. Never ignore an animal bite, scratch or saliva contact by a wild animal or a domestic animal (stray or owned) you don't know. Rabies is always fatal once the disease sets in. However, there is a period of time when you can get treatment before the virus causes rabies. Prompt, immediate attention is required to prevent the disease.

If your pet tangles with another animal, always use gloves to examine a wet wound. Or allow the fur to dry completely before you examine the wound. The rabies virus needs a moist environment to survive. It is most often transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal. (The virus is also present in spinal fluid and brain tissue, but not in blood.) If you get bitten or scratched, immediately wash/soak in soapy water for 10 minutes, then seek prompt medical attention. Call Animal Control for assistance in capturing an animal or testing a carcass of animal that has bitten you or your pet. Teach your children to stay away from wild animals and domestic animals that they don't know.

For further information about rabies, District Residents can call QVHD, 248-4528 or their local Animal Control Office.
 

Quinnipiack Valley Health District
1151 Hartford Turnpike
North Haven, CT 06473

Phone. (203) 248-4528
Fax. (203) 248-6671
E-Mail. info@qvhd.org