Living in the city many of us do not even think about exposure to Rabies as even being a possibility but before you go on your summer vacation here are some tips to keep in mind. Wild animals can and do contract Rabies and there have been cases of rabies reported already this season in several locations. Pets are the number one transmitter of Rabies from wild animals to people. People living in outbreak areas do not realize their pet has been exposed until it is too late and they become exposed as well.
Keep vaccinations current for all dogs, cats, and ferrets. This is important not only to keep your pets from getting rabies, but also to provide a barrier of protection for you, should your pet be bitten by a rabid wild animal. Make sure before you leave town for vacation that you have a copy of your pets vaccination history with you just in case they are bit by an animal while you are on vacation together and need to take them to a veterinarian to look at the bite.
Do not let pets roam. Keep your pets under direct supervision so they do not come in contact with wild animals. Keep them on a long leash so they can explore a bit but cannot go running off after other animals that might seem interesting but are potentially infected.
Enjoy wild animals (such as raccoons, skunks, and foxes) from a distance. Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans or litter. Take pictures of them from a distance to remember them by and share on Facebook but leave them alone to do their thing.
Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your living space. Do not try to nurse sick animals to health if you are driving at night and an animal runs into the road and you hit it do not try and nurse it back to health call the local authorities and it appropriate they will call wildlife rehab-ers to nurse the animal until it can be set free.
Teach children never to handle unfamiliar animals — wild or domestic — even if they appear friendly. A wild animal that walks up to a human is most likely sick or injured in some way as they have no desire to be so close to us. This will prevent bites from occurring and keep your children safer. If the strange animal is a dog walking on a leash your children should always know to ask the owner if it is ok to say hello and pet the dog before approaching. Moat of the time the owner of the dog will be more then happy for the child to pet the dog but just like you know your dog they know theirs and know if it is a safe situation. Teach your children to respect their wishes.
If traveling overseas of course follow the rules for contact with wild animals from above. If you are traveling to developing countries tell your children not to pet the street dogs. many countries have major problems with rabies in their street dog population. Rabies can be very common in developing countries and street dogs bite and transmit rabies to people each year.
Good advice! I recently read that there is some concern about rabies in Central Park! (of all places) Mostly from the raccoons. And that this had increased cat and dog rabies incidents. You just wouldn’t naturally think of rabies in the city.