Animal Control: Rabies

Rabies is a deadly disease. Rabies is a virus that attacks the nervous system and lives in the saliva and brain tissue of infected animals. It is spread mainly through bites, but can be transmitted through open wounds, breaks in the skin, and the mucous membranes. Rabies is carried mainly by wild animals such as raccoons, skunks, bats and foxes. When an unvaccinated dog or cat comes in contact with an infected animal, it is at high risk of being infected.

Avoid contact with all wild animals. Never attempt to feed or touch a wild animal, even if it is injured on the highway. Discourage wild animals from frequenting your home by securing lids on trash cans. Don't throw scraps of food out on the ground and don't leave uneaten pet food outdoors. All of these things attract wild animals. Make sure that your pets have up-to-date vaccinations and report stray pets to animal control for pickup. Pets that are allowed to roam are at higher risk of coming into contact with an infected animal. Keep your pets confined to your own property.
There are two forms of rabies, DUMB RABIES and FURIOUS RABIES. With DUMB RABIES, the animal may be listless and look tame or very shy and hide. With FURIOUS RABIES the animal may be very aggressive and irritable. It may seem confused or be calm, then suddenly attack. They show no fear toward anyone or anything. Both forms of rabies end in paralysis, coma and death. Other signs to watch for are daytime activity in nocturnal animals, staggering, inability to eat or drink, drooling, convulsions and frothing at the mouth, or a change in vocal ability.
If you are bitten by any animal, wash the wound thoroughly with warm soapy water. If the animal is someone's pet, get the owner's name and proof of rabies vaccination. Report the bite to the local health department or animal control. Call your physician. The animal must be confined for 10 days for observation.

Dinwiddie County Virginia