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Health & Fitness

Third Animal in District Tests Positive For Rabies

There have been animals confirmed sick with rabies within this health district. In 2012, there were four rabid animals; 1 skunk and 3 bats. To date in 2013, there have been 3 rabid raccoons. While rabies can occur in any mammal, it is most commonly seen in skunks, raccoons, and bats within the Quinnipiack Valley Health District (Bethany, Hamden, North Haven, and Woodbridge.) Small animals like field mice rarely, if ever, contract rabies. Because the possibility of rabies in wildlife exists, you need to be very cautious when encountering wildlife and managing your pets. Keep the following actions in mind for your family’s protection!

Avoid contact with wildlife, including cute baby animals.

If you have a bat in the house, call animal control to capture it so it can be tested. This is especially important if you wake up with a bat in the bedroom or if the bat is found in the sleeping area of a small child or adult who is not able to give reliable information.

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Maintain a barrier between you and wildlife by vaccinating your pet against rabies. (This is required by law for both cats and dogs!)

Spay or neuter your pet to decrease attraction of stray animals.

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Report ill or stray animals to your animal control officer.

If your pet is in a fight with another animal, wild or domestic and unknown to you, never touch the wound with your bare hands. Use gloves if you need to examine it. The rabies virus is found in saliva and brain tissue of infected animals. Allowing the pet’s fur to dry will further reduce your risk.

Wash hands with soap and water immediately after any contact with a suspect animal or after inspecting a wound on your pet.

Seek prompt medical attention if you are bitten by a wild animal or a domestic animal unknown to you.

For more information on rabies, District residents (Bethany, Hamden, North Haven and Woodbridge) can call Quinnipiack Valley Health District, 203 248-4528 or request information on line, www.qvhd.org The health district provides consultation on human exposures and the animal control officer in your town deals directly with the animals.

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