GARFIELD ANIMAL HOSPITAL

   What should be done with my pet now?  The Compendium of Animal Rabies Control, 1998 recommends that any un vaccinated dog or cat be put-to-sleep if exposed to a rabid animal. If the un vaccinated pet is not put-to-sleep, it should be confined in isolation for 6 months and vaccinated 1 month prior to release. If an un vaccinated pet is not put-to-sleep after a bite by a rabid animal, the owner, family members and any visitors to the home should avoid bites or scratches from the pet. The owner and veterinarian should observe the animal closely for signs consistent with rabies (unprovoked aggression, impaired locomotion, changes in behavior, paralysis, any extreme depression). If the pet is currently vaccinated, it should be revaccinated immediately and confined for 45 days in isolation for clinical observation.

    What about owner exposure to the bat? The owner should seek his or her physician's advice on whether the individual should receive rabies post exposure prophylaxis (PEP). The veterinarian will provide the names and phone number of anyone who may have been exposed to the local health department so that the staff can make sure the exposed individual seeks medical care. Physicians or public health personnel should make recommendations about rabies PEP for people bitten by animals.

    What are the clinical signs of Rabies in bats? It is believed that paralytic rabies is common in bats. This means bats are vulnerable to capture by pets that can carry the bats in their mouth. If able to fly, rabid bats may appear disoriented and fly into the obstacles. Aggression may also occur in rabid bats. 

   If a person finds a bat in their house, what he or should do? If possible, close the door to the room where the bat is located. Then call the call the animal control authorities and local public health agency to pick up the bat for rabies testing, if it is determined that testing is needed. No physical contact should be made with the bat. If the bat is simply let outside, and the person is sufficiently exposed to the bat, he or she must undergo rabies PEP. If bats are coming into the house repeatedly, the residents should check with the state's natural resources agency about how to exclude bats from the site.

     What should a person do if they see a downed bat outside? People and animals should not come into physical contact with a bat. A downed bat is probably not a healthy bat. The person should try to move the bat out of the way of pets and people by scooping it up carefully with a shovel and placing it in a location where it will not come into contact people or pets. However, if an animal or person has been exposed to the bat, try to confine the bat without coming into physical contact with it until animal control authority can pick it up for testing.   

    Should bat populations be destroyed? No, bats are a protected species, and some species are classified as state or federally endangered. They are a valuable mammalian resource; a single bat can consume thousands of insects per night.   

    Should indoor pets be vaccinated for rabies? Because indoor pets occasionally go outdoors, and because wildlife may get into houses on occasion, it is advisable to keep indoor pets vaccinated for rabies.

    How can Rabies be prevented? People should be encouraged to avoid contact with bats. If they are exposed to a bat, they should see their physician to determine the need for rabies. Exposed pets should be taken to a veterinarian. Pets should be vaccinated for rabies in accordance with state and local laws.

    For more information please go to this website:   http:www.cdc.gov/rabies

     Imagine, about 50,000 people in the world (one every 10 minutes)  and  about 2 in USA die from Rabies Each Year. Only 6 individuals have survived after getting Rabies infection!