Rabies in Pennsylvania

As we end 2013, we are happy to state that rabid animal reports in Pennsylvania continue to decline.  At the end of November, the PA Department of Health reported only 329 cases in the Commonwealth year-to-date. See monthly reports here.

What is Rabies?
Rabies is a deadly virus of the central nervous system, attacking the spinal cord and brain. Rabies can be transmitted to humans from other species, usually through a bite.  

People bitten by a rabid animal usually will not contract rabies if they promptly receive a post-exposure rabies vaccination.  Rabies treatment entails a series of  injections.  Without treatment, the disease is generally fatal once symptoms appear.  

Raccoon and Rabies
Raccoon's tendency to be curious, social creatures that eat just about anything, make them highly susceptible to contract the disease.  Raccoon consistently rank the highest in the number of reported rabies cases both across the U.S and in Pennsylvania. 

As of November, 145 rabid raccoon were reported in PA.  Bats were a distant second on the list with only 74 reported cases. 

How Do I Know if an Animal is Rabid?
You don't.  That is why we always recommend pets and their people stay away from wild animals.

While some rabid animals exhibit no symptoms at all, aggression is one of the best-known indicators. Wild animals that normally shy away from people, may boldly seek and confront them.

What Should I Do if I See a Suspicious Animal?

• If you or your pets have been bitten by any wild animal, you should seek immediate emergency medial attention.
• Do not attempt to catch the animal.
• Contact your municipality. Animal Control Services may send an officer to investigate. Some municipalities may tell you to call the Pennsylvania Game Commission if a wild animal is involved.
• If the animal is outside your home or office, you may want to contact a nuisance animal removal service to trap and remove the animal from your premises.

Daversa Pest Control  is a professional animal removal service.  We safely remove bothersome animals, including raccoon, skunks, foxes, ground hogs, opossums, bats, and other unwanted "critters" from in and around your home or office.  We are available 7 days a week, 365 days a year, to help you feel safe.  (c) 2013

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