Recent events in North Kingstown prove that even “inside” animals can be exposed to potentially rabid wildlife. If you didn’t see the news, a group of children were playing football outside when they were attacked by a raccoon. The raccoon chased the children inside, continuing to bite and scratch. Once inside, the raccoon bit the children’s mother and dog. Although as of this posting, the raccoon has not been located, both the people and dog involved in this incident are being treated prophylactically for Rabies exposure. What you can do:
- Do not feed any wild animals, no matter how cute-remember, any warm blooded mammal can carry the Rabies virus.
- If you see a wild animal behaving strangely (out during the day, stumbling, acting in a threatening manner) , get to a safe place and notify local Animal Control or DEM.
- Make sure ALL your pets are current on their Rabies vaccine.
- Rabies can be transmitted through bites, scratches, and even saliva. If you are injured during an encounter, seek medical attention immediately.
- RABIES IS ALWAYS FATAL.!!!!!!!!!