Rabies
Rabies is a contagious, usually fatal disease of the central nervous system that is caused by a virus. All warm-blooded animals, including humans, are susceptible to rabies. Birds and reptiles are not susceptible to naturally-acquired rabies and do not pose a risk of transmitting it to humans. There are several strains or variants of the rabies virus based on the species of animal in which the virus circulates and is maintained. In Wisconsin, skunks and bats are the main rabies carriers.
TRANSMISSION
The virus is transmitted through scratches, bites or having the infected animal’s saliva contact with an open wound or mucous membrane.
CLINICAL SIGNS
Infected animals can show abnormal activity, can be aggressive, show no fear of humans and may salivate excessively ("foaming at the mouth"). They may be lethargic or wander aimlessly. Sporadic convulsions, tremors and chewing fits can also be signs of rabies.
DISEASE MANAGEMENT
To reduce the spread of rabies in wildlife, the US Department of Agriculture established a National Rabies Management Program that uses baits laced with vaccines that are directed at specific wildlife species in targeted areas in the eastern US and Texas. Vaccination of domestic animals, including farm animals, is the best method of protecting human health.
PUBLIC HEALTH
Observe and enjoy wildlife from a safe distance. Anyone who has been bitten, scratched or has come into contact with the fresh saliva of a wild animal is considered at risk for rabies. You should IMMEDIATELY clean the bite, wound or scratch with soap and water. Then contact your local health department as soon as possible to report the incident and for further guidance.
Health officials will evaluate the risk, based on the wild animal species involved and other factors, and decide if there is a need to capture and euthanize the wild animal for laboratory testing. The person who is bitten should seek immediate medical attention. For additional information on rabies in Wisconsin please see the Wisconsin Department of Health Services' rabies information.
The Wisconsin Department of Health advises that "Because bites and scratches from bats may go unnoticed if a person is sleeping, is very young, or is mentally incapacitated, a physician should be contacted if a bat is found in the same room with a young child, or with sleeping or mentally incapacitated adult. Persons who have been in close physical proximity to bats and who cannot rule out the possibility of physical contact should likewise contact their physician."
If a pet or domestic livestock has had a possible interaction with wildlife contact your pet’s veterinarian and the Wisconsin Dept. of Ag, Division of Animal Health. Dead wildlife carcasses may still harbor live rabies virus and could potentially infect pets that come into contact with them.