Rabies and Animal Bites

Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system. It can kill almost any mammal or human that gets sick from it.

The rabies virus lives in the saliva, the virus is spread by getting the infected virus into a wound. Only mammals get rabies. Rabies can be prevented by getting the proper vaccinations from you local veterinarian on a regular basis. Keep records of your pet's vaccinations for future reference. If your pet is bitten, contact the New Castle Police Department Animal Control Officer. To limit the possibility of exposure, keep your pets on your property. Don't leave garbage out that may attract wild infected animals to your property. A rabid animal sometimes acts tame. Do not keep wild animals as pets. If you see an animal acting strangely, report it to your local animal control. Do not go near it yourself!

If you have been bitten, don't panic but don't ignore it. Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and plenty of water. Get medical attention as soon as you can. If you can, identify the animal before it runs away. Then call the New Castle Police Animal Control Officer. If it is a wild animal that must be killed, do not damage the head. The brain is used to test for the rabies virus.

If your pet has bitten someone, tell the person who was bitten to see a doctor immediately.

If your pet is a dog, cat or ferret, it will possibly have to be confined for a period of 10 days for observation.