Rabies - Prevention

Rabies can be prevented to a large extent by following some simple rules. These rules govern the way people interact with domestic and wild animals. They include:

• Domesticated animals, including household pets, should be vaccinated against rabies on a regular basis.
• Wild animals should not be touched or petted. Even if they seem friendly, they should be avoided. Special care should be taken with animals that behave strangely. For example, an animal may seem to have no fear of humans. Or animals that are normally out only at night may show up during the day. Such behaviors may be symptoms of rabies.
• Do not interfere in fights between animals.
• Use extra caution in handling a pet that has come into contact with a wild animal. Wear rubber gloves with the pet until you are sure that it has not been infected with rabies.
• Windows and doors should be covered with screens. Animals sometimes enter a building through unprotected openings. People have been bitten by rabid animals that got into their houses by this route.
• Citizens can become informed about the frequency of rabies in an area by calling the local health department.
• People who work with domestic or wild animals should be vaccinated against rabies.
• Bites from mice, rats, and squirrels rarely transmit rabies. Small animals like these that are bitten by a larger rabid animal usually die. Therefore, they are not likely to carry the disease.
• Ask about the prevalence of rabies in new areas to which you might be traveling.