The East Shore District Health Department has recently confirmed several cases of rabies from animals in our district.

[naviga:ul]

[naviga:li]Immunize your pets. Make sure pets receive regular booster rabies vaccinations to keep their protection continuous.  Keep proper documentation of vaccination.  [/naviga:li]

[/naviga:ul]

Rabies is a virus that affects the nervous system of animals.  It is spread through the saliva of an infected animal.  The saliva must enter an open wound of another animal for infection to occur.  Bites are the most common mode of rabies infection. Infection could also occur from a scratch if infected saliva is introduced into the wound.    

Rabies is most commonly carried by skunks, raccoons and bats, although any mammal could carry the rabies virus. In spring, these wild animals increase their activity and become more visible, which results in more encounters between pets and wild animals.  The East Shore District Health Department wants to remind residents to protect their pets and themselves from contact with these wild animals.

[naviga:ul]

[naviga:li]Do not leave out food for wild or stray animals.  [/naviga:li]

[/naviga:ul]

[naviga:ul]

[naviga:li]Report strange behavior in animals to your local animal control officer. Symptoms of rabies include daytime activity in nocturnal animals such as bats, raccoons, and skunks. Other signs are aggression, awkward movements, or simply that an animal appears “sick”.  [/naviga:li]

[/naviga:ul]

[naviga:ul]

[naviga:li]Stop pets from coming into contact with these wild animals when possible.  If a pet does have an encounter with a wild animal, the owner should contact their veterinarian immediately.  [/naviga:li]

[/naviga:ul]

[naviga:ul]

[naviga:li]Do not attempt to break up a fight between a pet and a wild animal. Protect yourself with rubber gloves and protective clothing when trying to gain control and clean up your pet after a fight.  [/naviga:li]

[/naviga:ul]

[naviga:ul]

[naviga:li]If you are bit, wash the area immediately with soap and water and seek immediate medical attention.  It is extremely important to seek immediate medical attention if exposed to rabies, because the disease is almost always fatal if not treated.[/naviga:li]

[/naviga:ul]

[naviga:ul]

[naviga:li]All incidents involving a person bit by any animal should be reported to your town’s animal control officer and the Health Department. The Health Department will work with your physician and advise on the need for rabies shots.  If the animal can be caught, the town animal control officer will assist in capturing the animal and having it tested for rabies. Testing a suspect animal for rabies is the best approach, if possible[/naviga:li]

[/naviga:ul]

Press Release from the East Shore District Health Department. For more information call ESDHD at (203) 481-4233 or find information at www.ESDHD.org.