|
 Rabies is a virus that affects the central nervous system. Of all
Illinois wild animals, bats are the most commonly affected by rabies. When
the skunk
rabies virus is circulating, skunks, raccoons, foxes and other wild
animals can be affected. Cats, dogs and livestock can get rabies,
too, if they are not vaccinated for rabies.
If you see wild or domestic animals with signs of rabies, do not
approach these animals, but call the local animal control agency to report
the sighting. The first sign of rabies is usually a change in the
animal's behavior. Animals don't have to be "foaming at the mouth"
to have rabies. Other signs include difficulty walking, a general
appearance of sickness or a change in the animal's normal behavior. Animal control
personnel should safely capture, euthanize and submit these
animals for rabies testing.
Health and agriculture officials strongly encourage vaccination of
domestic animals, including horses, dogs, cats and ferrets. Herd
owners should consider rabies vaccination for valuable cattle.
People are usually exposed to the rabies virus when an infected
animal bites them or they have direct exposure to saliva from the
animal. People at high risk of rabies exposure, such as wildlife
personnel, animal control officers and veterinarians and their
staff, should consider being vaccinated for rabies. The last human
case of rabies reported in Illinois was in 1954.
The last domestic animal case of rabies in the state was reported in
2005 in a cow that had been pastured in both Bureau and LaSalle
counties. A horse that had been pastured in LaSalle County tested positive for rabies in 2004.
[Text from file received from
the
Illinois Office of
Communication and Information] |
