Infected animals may be ferocious.
Rabies is a deadly virus that can harm the central nervous system of an infected animal or person. Commonly associated with raccoons, rabies can be found in dogs, bats or rodents, and one bite from this animal can transfer this disease to other animals or to a human being. If you suspect that an animal has rabies, it is of vital importance that you get it to the veterinarian for testing.
Instructions
1. Check the animal for symptoms of rabies. Do not get close to them to check--you will want to look from a distance. Two forms of rabies exist: dumb and furious. Dumb refers to animals that are docile, that will not run if you approach them but are not affectionate. Most wild animals will try to run away, so if it does not while you approach it, it might be rabid. Furious will attack you without provocation and is vicious. You may not necessarily see foaming or saliva. The animal may be rabid if it is unusually aggressive.
2. Capture the animal. This is not recommended if expert help is available, and it is especially not recommended to try capturing an angry animal. One scratch or bite can transfer the virus to you instantly. If possible, or if you are not trained to capture animals, call local animal control services immediately. If the animal is already dead, put on gloves and put it into a thick garbage bag. Seal it tightly.
3. Take the animal to the vet. If you called for help, you may wish to follow them to the vet.
4. Euthanize the animal. Unfortunately, the only way to possibly test a mammal for rabies is when the animal is dead. This is because testing is done directly in the brain.
5. Locate a nearby laboratory that can test the animal for rabies. You can request that the professional schedule a pick up for the animal, or they might require that you send them either the animal or its head. If you must send it, make sure you ask how this can be done safely.
Tags: animal rabies