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7 <br /> RABIES FACT SHEET <br /> HOW DO PEOPLE AND PETS GET RABIES? <br /> • The disease is spread mainly through bites but rabies can be passed by scratches from <br /> an infected animal or when the saliva from an infected animal comes in contact with <br /> open wounds or mucous membranes. <br /> WHAT KINDS OF ANIMALS GET RABIES? <br /> • All mammals can get rabies. Our current wildlife epidemic is mainly confined to <br /> raccoons, foxes, skunks and bats. However, unvaccinated dogs and cats are highly <br /> vulnerable to rabies. <br /> HOW CAN I PROTECT MY FAMILY AND MY PETS FROM RABIES? <br /> • Vaccinate dogs and cats against rabies. <br /> • Avoid contact with all wild animals as well as all unfamiliar, injured or stray dogs, <br /> puppies, cats and kittens. <br /> • Secure your trash so that it does not attract animals. <br /> • Do.not feed your pets outside. If you must, pick up food dish after 20 minutes. <br /> • Call your veterinarian and animal control department if your pet is attacked by a wild <br /> animal. Your pet must be Revaccinated within 72 hours. <br /> • Report all animals bites to humans to the Orange County Animal Control. <br /> • Confine your animals to your property. Do not let them run loose, especially at night. <br /> WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I AM BITTEN OR SCRATCHED BY A WILD OR <br /> STRAY ANIMAL OR PET? <br /> • Wash the would thoroughly with soap and warm water. <br /> • Confine the biting animal, if possible. Call Orange County Animal Control <br /> immediately. <br /> • Kill the animal only as last resort -but do not damage its head. (Examination of the <br /> brain tissue is the only way to confirm if the animal has rabies.) <br /> • If the animal is a pet, get the owners name and address. Report this information to <br /> Animal Control. <br /> • Call your physician at once. <br /> Orange County Animal Control - <br /> 1996 <br />