Rabies

Rabies In Animals

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Rabies is a deadly viral disease that attacks the central nervous system, including the brain and the spinal cord. All mammals, including humans, can get rabies. Among wild animals, it is most often found in raccoons, bats, skunks, groundhogs, and foxes. Rabies does not occur in reptiles, amphibians, birds, fish, or insects.

The rabies virus is present in the saliva and nervous system tissue of infected animals. It is most often spread through the bite of a rabid animal. Exposure can also occur if tissue/fluid from the central nervous system or saliva of a rabid animal gets into a scratch, other fresh wound, or mucous membrane (eye, nose, mouth).

Infected animals may show unusual behavior, aggression, difficulty moving, excessive drooling, or paralysis. Rabies is always considered fatal in animals once clinical signs appear. Because of this, prevention through vaccination of pets and livestock is the best protection.

• If your pet has come in contact with a wild animal or may have been exposed to rabies, seek veterinary care immediately for evaluation and rabies vaccination.
• Delaware law requires rabies vaccination for all cats, dogs and ferrets over six months of age. Vaccinations must be kept current.

Quarantine Info For Pets Potentially Exposed

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If your pet has potentially been exposed to rabies, it is critical to follow quarantine procedures to protect your pet, other animals and people.

• Seek veterinary care immediately for evaluation and treatment.
• Keep your pet isolated from other animals and people right away.
• Monitor your pet for any unusual behavior, aggression or signs of illness.
• Follow all instructions provided by your veterinarian and the Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA).

For Veterinarians

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• Veterinarians should report any suspected rabies exposure incidents involving animals that reside in Delaware to the DDA within 12 hours.
  • The Animal Exposure Form is only valid if signed by a licensed veterinarian.
• An exposure report must be completed whenever contact occurs with an unknown or wild animal, even if no wounds or injuries are visible, to ensure proper traceability and follow-up.
• If the offending animal in an animal-to-animal rabies exposure incident is known, the victim’s owner may submit an Offending Animal Form to the DDA, 10 days after the incident.

Delaware Dept. of Agriculture Rabies Responsibility

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• The Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA) is responsible only for potential rabies exposure incidents between animals that reside within the state of Delaware. This includes pets, livestock, and other domestic animals that are registered or housed in Delaware.
• If a pet involved in a potential rabies incident resides outside of Delaware, the incident should be reported to the state where the animal resides. The DDA does not have jurisdiction over animals that reside outside of Delaware.

Rabies Vaccine Exemptions

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• Owners of dogs, cats, and ferrets with medical conditions in which rabies vaccination is not advised can discuss obtaining a rabies vaccination exemption with their veterinarian.
• Veterinarians must submit a Rabies Vaccination Exemption Form to the DDA annually.
• Dogs, cats and ferrets that have a rabies vaccination exemption are not exempt from the quarantine following a potential rabies exposure.

Questions/Concerns/Contact Info

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For any questions regarding rabies exposure, quarantine, or reporting, or to obtain the most current exposure reporting forms, please contact the Delaware Department of Agriculture’s Rabies Hotline:

• Phone: 302-698-4630
• Email: rabies.hotline@delaware.gov
• For incidents involving animal-to-human exposure, health care providers, veterinarians, and the public should contact the Delaware Division of Public Health immediately to report the incident and receive guidance on appropriate medical care and next steps.
  • Delaware Division of Public Health Rabies Prevention Contact Information: Phone: 302-744-4995; Toll Free: 1-866-972-9705; After Hours Phone: 1-888-295-5156

Informational Links

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• Delaware Public Health Department (Human Rabies Exposure)
• Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control
• Delaware Law Re: Rabies Control