What You Should Know

Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system. It kills almost any mammal or human that gets sick from it.

The rabies virus lives in the saliva and brain of rabid animals. It can be transmitted through a bite or by getting saliva or brain tissue in a wound or in the mouth.

Only mammals get rabies: bird, fish, reptiles, and amphibians do not. Skunks, bats, foxes, raccoons, dogs, cats and some farm animals are most likely to get rabies. Rabbits, squirrels, rats and mice, and pets like gerbils and hamsters seldom get it.

Rabies can be prevented in cats, dogs, and some livestock with a rabies vaccination. For most wild and exotic animals, there are no rabies vaccines available that have been shown to protect them. A vaccine is available for ferrets, but because not enough is know about how rabies affects them, even vaccinated ferrets may still have to be killed and tested if they bite someone or get exposed to a rabid animal.

Rabies and Humans

Because of improved rabies vaccination programs for pets and better treatment for people who are bitten, rabies cases among humans in this country are rare. The best way to prevent the spread of rabies to humans is by keeping pets properly vaccinated.

What You Can Do To Help Control Rabies

Have your veterinarian vaccinate your dogs, cats, and selected livestock. Keep the vaccinations up to date.

If your pet is attacked or bitten by another animal, report it to the local health and animal control authorities. Be sure your vaccinated dog or cat receives a booster vaccination.  If the animal that bit your pet shows signs of rabies or tests positive for rabies and your pet does not have a current rabies vaccination, then  your pet must be placed in quarantine for six months or euthanized at your expense.

Limit the possibility of exposure by keeping your animals on your property. Don’t let pets roam free. Also, don’t leave garbage or pet food outside. It may attract wild or stray animals.

Remember… wild animals should not be kept as pets. They are a potential rabies threat to their owners and to others. Enjoy all wild animals from a distance, even if they seem friendly. A rabid animal sometimes acts tame. If you see an animal acting strangely, report it to York County Animal Control Bureau. DO NOT GOT NEAR IT YOURSELF.

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Source:  Virginia Department of Health, Office of Epidemiology and the 

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Animal Control

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