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1. What is rabies?

Rabies is a viral disease of the central nervous system that is almost always fatal. Rabies in humans is very rare in the U.S. but rabies in ground animals- especially wildlife- is common in some parts of the country. Rabies has infected ground animals in Massachusetts after 40 years of being found only in bats.

2. How common is animal rabies in Massachusetts?

Until recently rabies was rare in this state. However, rabies in raccoons first appeared in Massachusetts in September 1992 and is spreading quickly.

How can rabies be prevented?

3. How is rabies spread?

The rabies virus lives in the saliva (spit) and other body fluids of infected animals and is spread when they bite or scratch. The virus can also be spread if one of these body fluids touches broken skin or a mucous membrane (in the mouth, nose, or eyes). In caves crowded with bats, it is possible to inhale the virus floating in the air.

4. What animals spread rabies?

The rabies virus can infect any animal (if it has hair or fur, it's a mammal), but it is only common among certain ones like bats, skunks, foxes, and raccoons. Cats, dogs, and livestock can also get rabies and spread it to their owners - if they do not have special shots to protect them. Rabies is very rare among rodents like squirrels, rats, mice, and chipmunks, Birds, fish, lizards, turtles, and insects (bugs) cannot spread rabies.

5. How can I tell if an animal is rabid?

Rabid animals often behave strangely after the virus attacks their brains. Rabid animals may attack people or other animals for no real reason, or they may lose their fear of people and seem to be unnaturally friendly. Not all rabid animals act this way, however, so you should avoid all wild animals, especially bats, skunks, foxes, and raccoons. Also, you should not feed or touch stray cats and dogs.

6. Rabies: how can rabies be prevented?

• Avoid wild animals, especially bats, skunks, foxes, and raccoons. Do not feed or pet strays. Avoid any animal -wild, farm, or pet - that you do not know. Report any animal that behaves oddly to your local animal control official.
• Make sure that your pets are inoculated against rabies and that their shots are up to date. By law, all dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies. 
• Feed pets indoors and keep them indoors at night. If they are outside during the day, keep them on a leash or fenced-in so they cannot wander. Even vaccinated pets can get rabies. Pets allowed to roam freely are more likely to get rabies and bring it into your home.
• Fasten trash can lids tightly. Garbage attracts animals (like skunks, raccoons, and strays) looking for an easy meal.
• Teach your children to avoid wildlife, strays and all other animals they don't know well. Do not let your children roam freely in areas where wild animals live.
• It is against state law to keep wild animals such as skunks, or raccoons as pets. There are no rabies vaccines for most wild species.
• Cap your chimney with screens and block openings in attics, cellars, and porches to keep wild animals like bats and raccoons out of your home.
• If you have bats in your house, talk to a professional about bat-proofing your home.
• Do not handle dead, sick, or injured wild animals yourself call the police or animal control officer. If you must handle the animal, use heavy gloves, a shovel, sticks, or other tools to avoid direct contact.
• Animal Control Officers, veterinarians and their assistants, and others who have a lot of contact with strays or wildlife should think about getting routine rabies vaccinations to protect themselves before they are exposed to the virus.

7. Where can I get more information on rabies?

• Your doctor, nurse, or health center
• The Seekonk Board of Health
• Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Division of Epidemiology