Rabies is a disease that affects the brain. It´s usually passed from animal to animal but it can be passed from animals to people. It´s caused by a virus. A virus is a very tiny germ, and you can only see that germ if you have a special microscope. Only mammals, including people, can get rabies. Rabies occurs most often in wildlife, particularly raccoons, bats, skunks, groundhogs, and foxes. These animals represent 95% of the cases in the United States.

Rabid animals are usually either vicious and/or aggressive, or may appear to be drunk and have trouble walking. Some animals may be rabid even though they appear to be normal. People should stay away from all wild and stray animals which are aggressive or appear to be sick.

What should I do if I am bitten by an animal?

• Clean the wound immediately with soap and water.

• Seek prompt medical attention from a physician or hospital emergency department.

• Report the bite to the local health department.

If you are bitten by a wild animal:

• Contact the animal control officer or local police for assistance.

Prevention Tips:

1.      Visit your veterinarian with your pet on a regular basis and keep rabies vaccinations up-to-date for all cats, ferrets, and dogs.

2.      Maintain control of your pets by keeping cats and ferrets indoors and keeping dogs under direct supervision.

3.      Spay or neuter your pets to help reduce the number of unwanted pets that may not be properly cared for or vaccinated regularly.

4.      Call animal control to remove all stray animals from your neighborhood since these animals may be unvaccinated or ill.

Information provided by www.cdc.gov andwww.state.nj.us/health/cd/documents/faq/rabies.pdf