Rabies is a disease of animals and people, and the virus is spread through the saliva of a rabid animal. Usually this occurs when a rabid animal bites or scratches a person or animal, but secondary exposure can occur from contacting saliva off of the coat or fur of an animal that was exposed to a rabid animal. The virus may get into the body through open cuts or wounds, or through the eyes, nose, or mouth. Domesticated animals like dogs, cats, and ferrets can get rabies from wild animals such as raccoons, foxes, skunks, bats, opossums, and the like. Getting your pets vaccinated against rabies will prevent this from happening. A current rabies vaccination for your pet is vital in light of the current evidence of rabies in the area. Your local veterinarian is the most immediate solution for non-vaccinated animals.
FACTS
Do you know what to do if you are bitten by or exposed to an animal that may be rabid? You should:
- Contact Charles County Animal Control and the Department of Health.
- If it is a wild animal, try to trap the animal only if it is safe to do so. If the animal must be killed, try not to damage the head.
- If it is an owned animal, get the animal owner’s name, address, and telephone number.
- Get prompt medical attention.
- Consider treatment if a bat was present and exposure cannot be reasonably ruled out (i.e. you were sleeping or an unattended child is in the room).
RABIES PREVENTION
Animals can be great fun, but it’s important to know how to be safe when you’re with them. With a wild animal, being safe may mean staying far away so the animal doesn’t feel threatened and so you stay safe. The rule in the great outdoors is simple: Don’t touch or go near an animal. See further tips below to stay safe.
- Do not approach, handle, or feed wild or stay animals.
- Have your dogs, cats, and ferrets vaccinated against rabies and keep the vaccinations up to date.
- Do not leave pets outside unattended or allow them to roam free.
- Cover garbage cans tightly and do not leave pet food outside.
- Teach children to stay away from wild animals or animals that they do not know.
- Prevent bats from entering your home by using window screens and chimney caps and by sealing in any openings greater thant 1/4inch by 1/2inch. Bats found in the home shoud be safely collected, if possible, and tested for rabies.
- If your pet is bitten by a wild animal, do not touch the wild animal.
- If you pet has been in a fight or is bitten by a domestic animal, obtain the owner's name, address, and telephone number.
- If your pet is bitten, avoid touching your pet with your bare hands and consult your veterinarian.
- Report bites to your local, animal control agency, health department, or police.
Humane Society of Charles County Clinic
Location: Humane Society of Charles County,
71 Industrial Park Drive, Waldorf.
Charles County requires a license for all cats and dogs.
**For a 3 year vaccine –You must bring a current rabies certificate!
Dogs should be leashed and under control at all times. Cats and and small animals should be in a carriers.
For further information call the Humane Society at 301-645-8181.
