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Town of Madison Reminds Residents of Rabies Risk

Rabies treatment is available for humans and pets bitten by wild or suspected rabid animals. But to be effective, treatment must begin before symptoms begin, so timely attention is critical. In any instance where you or your pet contacts a wild or unknown animal you should call the Madison Animal Control Officer at 203-245-2721 or the Madison Health Department at 203-245-5681 for evaluation of the situation and follow-up procedures.

Rabies is a viral infection transmitted in the saliva of infected mammals. As the weather becomes warmer and people and their pets spend more time out of doors, the risk of contact with infected wild animals becomes greater.

If untreated in a timely manner, rabies is almost always fatal to animals and humans. The most effective way to prevent human rabies is to ensure your dogs and cats are vaccinated against rabies and to avoid contact with wild animals. Rabies continues to circulate in wildlife in Madison, primarily among raccoons, skunks and bats. Several wild animals from Madison are tested for the presence of rabies each year.

Consider these notes if you come in contact with a rabid animal: if possible, carefully capture the wild animal for rabies testing using gloves, shovel, net, etc. The brain must be intact for rabies testing. Double-bag the animal and refrigerate in disposable cooler until retrieved by Town official; use gloves, where possible, when handling your pet after a fight with another animal to minimize your exposure to saliva; immediately wash any wound and your hands with soap and water after contact with a wild animal or with your pet if he or she has had such contact; after contact with a wild animal, isolate your pet from family members to minimize their exposure; and seek medical attention for any such contact.