FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:  Charlotte Plumb, (251) 972-6834; Dee W. Jones, D.V.M., (334) 206-5969

Wild animals don't usually venture close to houses and they tend to avoid human contact, but animals infected with rabies can have altered behavior which can pose risks to humans and domestic animals. A rabid fox in the Summerdale area in Baldwin County has prompted public
officials to encourage pet owners to be sure their dogs, cats and ferrets are vaccinated against the fatal disease.

This is the third rabid animal confirmed in Baldwin County this year. Rabid raccoons were confirmed in Montrose in March and Belforest earlier this month.

“We strongly caution people not to approach stray animals, wildlife and bats,” said Dr. Dee W. Jones, State Public Health Veterinarian. “To protect yourself, your family and your pets from exposure to the rabies virus, you should follow these precautions.”

• Avoid domestic and wild animals that are acting in a strange or unusual manner.
• Teach children to stay away from animals that are hurt or unknown to them.
• Instruct children to avoid approaching any wild animal, whether or not it is acting strangely.
• Advise children to tell an adult if they are bitten or scratched by an animal.

If you get an animal bite or scratch, wash the wound thoroughly under running water, immediately seek medical attention from your doctor or a hospital, and report the incident to the Baldwin County Health Department for follow-up. Be sure your pets have up-to-date rabies vaccinations.

Rabies is a disease of all mammals, including man, and is always considered to be fatal unless preventative treatment is given following the bite. The primary means of exposure is through a bite or scratch with contaminated saliva from the animal. Transmission of the deadly virus also can occur if saliva contacts mucous membranes of the eye or mouth.

Vaccination of domestic dogs, cats and ferrets not only protects the animals against rabies, but also creates an additional protective buffer between wildlife rabies and humans. State law requires that dogs, cats and ferrets remain currently vaccinated against rabies.

For additional information please contact the Alabama Department of Public Health, Bureau of Communicable Disease, Division of Epidemiology, at 1-800-677-0939 or Charlotte Plumb at the Baldwin County Health Department, (251) 972-6834.

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6/15/11