Avoid Rabies From
Raccoons
In the United States, human cases of rabies are rare. This is in large part due to vaccination of pets and rabies education programs. Any mammal can carry the rabies virus, but raccoons are more likely than others to carry the disease. Rabies in raccoons is most often seen in the eastern United States. With some knowledge of rabies and raccoons, including precautions, you can avoid getting rabies from a raccoon.
Instructions
1. Recognize the signs of rabies in a raccoon. If you encounter a raccoon that is behaving abnormally or appears sick, then leave the area and call your local animal control or wildlife center immediately. Behaviors or symptoms that should cause concern are a raccoon that is out in the middle of the day, a friendly raccoon, a raccoon that is aggressive without being provoked, or if the raccoon is not walking well or is drooling.
2. Stay away from any wild raccoons. Do not try to pet or feed raccoons even if they appear healthy or friendly; they may still bite and could transmit the virus if they have it. Do not try to catch a sick raccoon yourself.
3. Get the rabies pre-exposure vaccine if you regularly work with raccoons. If you work as an animal control officer or volunteer at a wildlife center, then you are at higher risk for getting rabies and should get the rabies vaccine. Once vaccinated, you will need to have your blood levels checked periodically to determine if you are still immune to the virus. This is called a rabies titer, or rabies antibody test. Some individuals need booster rabies shots every few years.
4. Vaccinate your pets against rabies. The highest risk of getting rabies from a raccoon actually comes from your pet. If your dog or cat is bit by a rabid raccoon, your pet can then transmitted the virus to you or your child. Getting your pets vaccinated against rabies eliminates this risk.
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