Rabies

Rabies is a preventable viral disease of mammals most commonly transmitted by a rabid animal bite. The majority of reported cases occur in wild animals such as racoons, skunks, bats, and foxes. The virus infects the central nervous system resulting in disease within the brain and then death. In people, the symptoms initially included fever, headache, and general weakness or discomfort. As the disease progresses, the symptoms become more severe including insomnia, anxiety, confusion, slight or partial paralysis, excitation, hallucinations, agitation, increase in saliva, difficulty swallowing, and fear of water. Typically death occurs within days after the onset of these symtoms.

When bringing in animals for rabies testing.

• No live animals.
• Anything larger than a bat, only bring in an intact head.  DHD4 cannot remove the head or submit an animal’s body.
• Keep head and spine intact.  Do not crush or damage head or upper spine otherwise it cannot be tested.
• Keep refrigerated (do not freeze) until specimen is brought in.

**DHD4 does not give the rabies vaccine.  Call your provider.