Rabies Control
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 is mainly 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 eye or mouth.
Rabies Vaccine Shortage
- Currently, human rabies vaccine is in limited supply.
- There has been an interruption in vaccine supplies due to pharmaceutical company plant renovations and an increase in demand outpacing the levels of supply available prior to these renovations.
- While those who have been exposed to rabies can still acquire vaccine, taking steps to avoid being exposed in the first place is now more important than ever.
- Basic precautions you can take to avoid exposure are
- Vaccinating your pets and other domestic animals against rabies. There is no shortage of rabies vaccines for animals.
- Maintaining a safe distance between yourself and wildlife.
- Maintaining a safe distance between yourself and any animal unfamiliar to you, even if that animal appears friendly.
- Alerting the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries or a local, licensed wildlife rehabilitator, if you see wildlife that appears to be orphaned or injured and NOT taking matters into your own hands.
- Keeping household trash inside or well secured to decrease the likelihood that wild animals will be attracted to your property.
- Not adopting wildlife as pets
- Keeping your pets on your property.
If You Have Been Bitten:
- Don't panic...but don't ignore the bite, either. Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and lots of water. Washing thoroughly will greatly lessen the chance of infection. Give first aid as you would for any wound.
- If possible, capture the animal under a large box or can, or at least identify it before it runs away. Don't try to pick the animal up. Call an animal control or law enforcement officer to come get it.
- It's critically important that you notify your family doctor immediately and explain how you got the bite. Your doctor will want to know if the animal has been captured. If necessary, your doctor will give the anti-rabies treatment recommended by the United States Public Health Service. Your doctor will also treat you for other possible infections that could be caused from the bite.
- Report the bite to the local health department.
