APRIL IS RABIES AWARENESS MONTH

On March 23 in Barnstable, the Massachusetts Departments of Public Health (DPH) and Agricultural Resources (DAR), MassWildlife, Barnstable County Health Department and other animal and public health entities participated in a kick-off event to raise awareness among all Bay State residents about the importance vaccinating their pets against rabies and ways to reduce their risk of animal bites and other potential rabies exposures. A proclamation from the Governor’s office declared April as Rabies Awareness Month.  According to DPH statistics, 169 raccoons, 99 skunks, 34 bats, 11 foxes, 8 cats, 2 dogs, 2 woodchucks and 2 cows tested positive for rabies in 2004. In February of 2005, a coyote tested positive for rabies on Cape Cod after it attacked a dog and its owners.

Officials emphasized that keeping vaccinations current on dogs and cats, including indoor cats, is crucial to prevention. Pets can act as a bridge between a rabid wild animal and a person, acquiring the virus through a bite and then bringing the virus into the household. Testing is warranted when there is contact between a potentially rabid animal and a person or pet. Rabies has been documented in the majority of Massachusetts cities and towns, including Cape Cod.  No part of the state is free from the risk of rabies.

MassWildlife receives hundreds of calls annually from an anxious public looking for information on the potentially fatal virus. Prevention and avoidance are key when dealing with wildlife. Raccoons and skunks are attracted to developed areas across the Commonwealth and capitalize on artificial food sources such as garbage, compost, gardens, bird feed and pet food. Skunks are particularly fond of white lawn grubs, the larvae of Japanese beetles. Many animals also take advantage of man-made shelter such as crawl spaces under garden sheds or decks, with raccoons frequently denning in chimneys and attics that are not capped or sealed. By eliminating both artificial food sources and shelter, the chances of encountering raccoons and skunks around the home and yard will be greatly reduced.

If an animal inflicts a bite or scratch, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water for 15 minutes and call a physician. Capture the suspected animal without further contact and/or call your local Board of Health and Animal Control Officer for details on testing protocol. Use caution with a pet you suspect may have been in a fight with a wild animal. Handle with gloves and contact a veterinarian. Bat proof your home by repairing screens, vents and other areas where bats may gain access. If you find a bat in the house and suspect you or a family member may have been bitten or scratched, capture the animal in a large coffee can and call your doctor and local public health officials. "A Homeowners Guide To Bats" pamphlet is available on MassWildlife's website in the Publications area. For more information on rabies, visit the DPH website at www.mass.gov/dph/cdc/epii/rabies/rabies.htm