MCBCC | Animal Center

Home

General Information

Adoption and Services

Education

Programs

Marion County Animal Services

Rabies

In the early part of 2008, Marion County issued the highest number of rabies alerts out of all of the counties in Florida. This means Marion County had more confirmed rabid (infected with rabies) animals than other Florida counties, and county citizens need to be aware of the danger and threat of this disease.

What is rabies, and how is it spread?

Rabies is a degenerative viral disease that attacks the central nervous system. It can be prevented, but it can't be cured. The virus attacks the central nervous system of warm-blooded animals (including people). While mostly controlled in the U.S., rabies is responsible for the deaths of 55,000 people each year.

Rabies is spread when the saliva of an infected animal enters the open wound, mouth, nose or eyes of another animal or person. This usually occurs when the infected animal bites the victim. Bats are the most common vehicle for transmission of rabies to humans, but animals such as foxes and raccoons are what commonly will bite or attack other wildlife or domestic animals.

How can I tell if an animal may possibly be rabid?

Animals infected with rabies typically show odd behavior. They will either be hyper aggressive and attack without provocation, or a wild animal may act tame. Rabid animals may not be able to eat, drink or swallow. An infected animal may also be drooling, staggering or appear paralyzed. This disease is usually deadly for most animals.

What should I do if an animal bites me?

Clean the exposed wound as soon as possible with plenty of soap and running water.
Try to form a complete description of the animal and its location when the bite occurred. This information will help local animal control officers when the animal is picked up for quarantine or rabies testing.
Visit your family doctor or go to the emergency room.
Call the Marion County Health Department (352-629-0137) or Marion County Animal Services (352-671-8727) with the animal's description and location so that the animal can be picked up and the agencies will be on notice.
If the animal has been killed, be careful to not damage the head of the animal and avoid any contact with the animal after it has died.

Prevention of rabies

Rabies is easily avoided by following the proper precautions.

Vaccinate your pets according to recommended veterinary guidelines
All cats, dogs and ferrets over 4 months of age are mandated by law to have a current rabies vaccination. Rabies vaccinations are available at the Animal Center with the purchase of your animal's county license.
Do not handle or touch wildlife or stray animals. Feed your animals indoors to avoid attracting other animals. Teach your children to follow these same rules.
Do not let your animals roam freely - this increases their risk of being exposed to potentially rabid animals.
If you suspect that your pet was exposed to a rabid animal, contact your veterinarian and local health department immediately. Do not handle your animal unless you are wearing gloves. Make sure to wash the wound with soap and water to wash away any saliva from the infected animal. Make sure that the animal does not come into contact with any other animals or people until the situation has been handled with your local animal control agency and county health department.

For additional information on rabies, please visit the following sites:

Florida Department of Health (FDOH): http://www.doh.state.fl.us/Environment/community/rabies/rabies-index.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): http://www.cdc.gov/rabies/
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA): http://www.avma.org/public_health/default.asp#rabies