RABIES - WHAT TO DO IF BITTEN!

Humans

If a person is bitten by an animal, try to apprehend the animal or see where it goes so it can be caught and either quarantined or submitted for rabies testing.

1. The quarantine allows a dog, cat, ferret, etc. to be observed for 10 days after the bite occurred. If the animial does not develop signs of rabies during that time, it can be concluded that the animal did not have rabies in its mouth at the time of the bite. Therefore, the bite victim does not need the series of shots to prevent rabies.
2. Some species of animals are confined and observed longer than 10 days.
3. In some species (skunks, bats, foxes, coyotes, raccoons), the quarantine cannot effectively demonstrate the animal is not rabid. In these cases, the animal must be submitted for rabies testing.

Report the bite to the Local Rabies Control Authority (usually the local animal control or the sheriff's office). The officers may be able to help you apprehend the animal or to assure that is it quarantined or submitted for testing.

If someone must shoot the animal to stop the attack or prevent its escape, never shoot it in the head.

1. The brain is the part of the body used in the rabies test. Shooting or hitting the animal in the head might damage the brain so much that it cannot be tested for rabies.
2. Refrigerate (but do not freeze) the carcass as soon as possible so it will not decompose to the point it cannot be tested.

In the US, nearly all human rabies is transmitted by the bite of a bat. A bat's teeth are so small and sharp that a person can be bitten without even realizing it. Therefore, if a person is bit or comes into contact with a bat, the person should consult with a physician or public health veterinarian. NO bat bite or other contact with a bat is too minor to be reported or evaluated. If a bat has contact with a person, the bat should be captured so it can be tested for rabies. Obviously, the person capturing the bat should use care not to be exposed to the bat. See our article on Bats and Rabies.

Your Pets

Assure that all pets and livestock in close contact with people are always currently vaccinated against rabies. In recent years, there have been more rabid cats than rabid dogs in Texas - so don't forget your feline companions! Cats can bite and transmit rabies to their owners just as dogs can.

If a pet does come into contact with a rabid or potentially rabid animal (night animals out in the daylight are not a good sign), the outcome could be very serious. Rabid skunks are known to enter a yard and attack pets for example. If you see a dead skunk or any other suspicious animal in your yard, call the proper authorities and contact our office. Your pet may only need a booster but we'll need to follow up.

If you think you or your pet have been exposed to rabies, consult your Doctor and our office immediately.

For more information or educational materials pertaining to rabies, please contact your Texas Department of Health Zoonosis Control office in Tyler at (903) 533-5260 or visit the Zoonosis Control Division's website at www.tdh.state.tx.us/zoonosis.

For additional information or feel you need to have your pet examined, give us a call!.

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