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Rabies Information
What is Rabies?
Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system. The virus lives in the saliva and brain tissue of infected mammals. Rabies is fatal once it reaches the brain. All pets/domestic animals must be confined for 10 days of observation after exposure. Wild animals will be tested for the virus.
- Bites & scratches from infected mammals
- Contact with infected brain tissue
- Contact with infected tissues/saliva in open wounds
- Avoid contact with all wild animals.
- Never feed, handle or adopt wild animals as pets.
- Stay away from strays; they may not be properly vaccinated.
- Report stray dogs to Animal Services.
- Secure trash and pet food stored outdoors.
- Vaccinate your pets!
- Contact Animal Services if you or your pet is attacked or bitten.
- Wash the wound with warm, soapy water.
- Confine the animal (if safe and possible).
- If the animal is a pet, get the owner's information.
- Call your doctor and follow their directions.
- Report the bite to Animal Services/Health Department within 24 hours.
Signs & Symptoms of Rabies
Rabies can present with some or all of the below listed symptoms:
- Animal is abnormally excitable, irritable and/or aggressive
- Animal is unusually approachable
- Change in vocal tone
- Confused/calm then suddenly attacks
- Convulsions
- Daytime activity in nocturnal animals*
- Frothing at the mouth
- Inability to eat or drink
- Lack of fear of natural enemies
- Paralysis and/or coma
- Profuse drooling
- Sluggish, confused or depressed
- Staggering/weakness
*Although daytime activity in primarily nocturnal animals can be a sign or symptom of rabies, development into new areas that were at one time these animals' natural habitat can alter their historically normal patterns. PCAS recommends that you do not feed or interact with wildlife, no matter the situation.