California State Law requires that all animal bites be reported to health care
personnel or public animal shelters.
Do not take animal bites lightly
Animal bites and scratches, even when they are minor, can become infected and
spread bacteria to other parts of the body. Whether the bite is from a family
pet or an animal in the wild, scratches and bites can carry disease. Certain animals
can transmit rabies and tetanus to other animals and humans. Bites that break
the skin are even more likely to become infected.
Seek the advise of a physician or healthcare provider should you
have any questions or concerns about an animal bite.
What is rabies?
Rabies is a viral infection of certain warm-blooded animals and is caused by
a virus in the Rhabdoviridae family. It attacks the nervous system and, once
symptoms develop, it is 100 percent fatal in animals, if left untreated.
In Sutter County, rabies occurs primarily in bats and skunks. Other potential
wild animals include coyotes, raccoons, and foxes. In some instances these
wild animals can infect domestic cats, dogs and livestock. In the United States,
cats are more likely than dogs to be rabid.
According to a
report by the California Dept of Health Services, in the period between 1993 and 2002 inclusive,
there were 24 bats, 31 skunks and 1 dog reported as rabid in Sutter County. There were no
other animals or humans reported with rabies during this time period in the County.
Generally, rabies is rare in small rodents such as beavers, chipmunks,
squirrels, rats, mice, or hamsters. Rabies is also rare in rabbits.
How does rabies occur?
The rabies virus enters the body through a cut or scratch, or through mucous
membranes (such as the lining of the mouth and eyes), and travels to the central
nervous system. Once the infection is established in the brain, the virus
travels down the nerves from the brain and multiplies in different organs.
The salivary glands and organs are most important in the spread of rabies
from one animal to another. When an infected animal bites another animal, the
rabies virus is transmitted through the infected animal's saliva. Scratches by
claws of rabid animals are also dangerous because these animals lick their
claws.
How can animal bites and rabies be prevented?
Being safe around animals, even your own pets, can help reduce the risk of
animal bites. Some general guidelines for avoiding animal bites and rabies
include the following:
- Do not try to separate fighting animals.
- Avoid strange and sick animals.
- Leave animals alone when they are eating.
- Keep pets on a leash when out in public.
- Select family pets carefully.
- Never leave a young child alone with a pet.
- All domestic dogs and cats should be immunized against rabies and shots kept
current.
- Do not approach or play with wild animals of any kind, and be aware that
domestic animals may also be infected with rabies.
- Supervise pets so they do not come into contact with wild animals.
- Call Sutter County Animal Control to remove any stray animals.
Reporting an incident to your healthcare providerIf you or someone you know is bitten by an animal, remember these facts to
report to your healthcare provider: - location of the accident
- type of animal involved (domestic pet or wild animal)
- type of exposure (cut, scratch, licking of open wound)
- part of the body involved
- number of exposures
- whether or not the animal has been immunized against rabies
- whether or not the animal is sick or well - if "sick," what symptoms were
present in the animal
- whether or not the animal is available for testing or quarantine
|
|