We are urging the public to help protect themselves and to prevent the spread of rabies by taking the following steps:
- Keep rabies vaccinations up-to-date for all dogs, cats and ferrets. It's the law!
- Do not allow your pets to run free. If a wild animal bites your pet, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately.
- Call Animal Services to have stray dogs removed.
- Feed your pets indoors.
- Don't use your hands to break up a fight between animals.
- Spay or neuter your pets to help reduce the number of unwanted pets that may not be properly cared for or regularly vaccinated.
- Avoid direct contact with unfamiliar animals.
- Do not handle, or feed wild animals (raccoons, bats, skunks, foxes) or unintentionally attract them with open garbage cans or litter.
- Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home. Do not try to nurse sick animals to health.
- Teach children never to handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly.
- Prevent bats from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, churches and schools, where they might come in contact with people and pets. If you find a bat in your home, contact the health department.
- When traveling abroad, avoid direct contact with wild animals and be especially careful around dogs in developing countries.
For additional information, please visit the CDC's website.