RABIES

Rabies is a fatal but preventable viral disease that spreads to people and pets through bites or scratches from infected animals.

In our area, rabies is most often found in skunks, raccoons, and bats. Small animals like squirrels and mice rarely carry rabies. Because rabies can occur in local wildlife, it’s important to use caution around wild animals and keep pets protected.

If you live in Bethany, Hamden, North Haven, or Woodbridge and have questions about possible rabies exposure, contact QVHD.

Seek medical care immediately after an animal bite, your doctor can consult with QVHD about next steps.

More Information

    • Avoid contact with wildlife, including baby animals.

    • Stay away from animals acting unusually, especially if seen during the day.

    • Call Animal Control if you see wildlife behaving oddly or if you find a bat indoors. This is especially important if the bat is found in the sleeping area of a small child or adult who is not able to give reliable information.

    • Vaccinate your pets against rabies. It’s required by law for both cats and dogs.

    • Spay or neuter your pet to decrease attraction of stray animals.

    • Report ill, stray or unusually-behaving animals to your local animal control officer.

    • Never touch your pet’s wounds after an animal fight. Use gloves if you need to examine it.

    • Wash your hands immediately after contact with any suspect animal.

    • Seek medical attention right away if you are bitten or scratched by a wild or unknown animal.

  • Rabies virus is found in saliva and brain tissue, not blood, urine, or feces.
    Exposure happens when the virus enters through:

    • A bite or scratch

    • An open wound

    • A mucous membrane (eyes, mouth, etc.)

    Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, but prompt medical treatment (post-exposure vaccination) can prevent the disease if given soon after exposure.

  • Call Animal Control if:

    • A sick or injured animal is on your property

    • Your pet fought or killed a wild animal

    • There’s a bat in your home

    Call QVHD if:

    • You have questions about a possible rabies exposure

    • You or someone you know was bitten by an animal

      • First, seek medical care from your doctor or emergency room.

      • Your provider can consult with QVHD about next steps

    Animal Testing Guidelines

    • Test required: if a person was exposed (bitten, scratched, or saliva contact)

    • No testing needed: if no human exposure and your pet’s vaccines are up to date

    • Testing may be considered: if your pet’s rabies vaccine is overdue

  • Bats are a common source of rabies exposure.
    If you wake up and find a bat in your bedroom, call Animal Control immediately — the bat should be safely captured and tested.
    Do not touch the bat with your bare hands.

    Because bat bites can be small and hard to see, testing the bat is the only way to rule out exposure.
    If the bat can’t be tested, post-exposure treatment is often recommended.

    CDC guidance: Treatment may be needed if someone:

    • Wakes up with a bat in the room

    • Finds a bat in a room with an unattended child, disabled person, or intoxicated adult