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Rabies Control Policy

The following is the Rabies Control Policy of the Erie County Department of Health.

1. The purpose of the Health Department Rabies Policy is to prevent any human death due to rabies. Rabies is fatal to humans only if post-exposure vaccination shots are not administered or are administered too late. Post-exposure treatment consist of a series of 5 vaccinations (plus RIG on the first day) given in a large muscle, such as the arm, over a 28 day period.
2. All warm-blooded animal bites are considered possible exposure to the rabies virus. For this reason it has been mandated by New York State Public Health Law that every animal bite be reported to the local Health Department (Any suspected exposure to a bat should be reported immediately).
3. Avoid exposing any open wounds, sores, rashes or any mucous membrane (i.e. eyes, nostrils, mouth or genitals) to the saliva or nerve tissue of any animal which might be rabid. Consider any such exposure by any mammal a possible exposure to rabies and report it.
4. Any animal bite should be thoroughly cleansed with soap and water, as soon as possible, and medical attention should be sought immediately.
5. . The Commissioner of Health is recommending rabies post-exposure shots for anyone bitten by certain animals which are not identified or captured. Report ALL animal bites to the Health Department.
6. The biting animal MUST be identified if it is an owned pet, or captured if it is a stray cat, dog or wild animal.
7. A bite by an uncaptured wild animal or unidentified cat or dog may need immediate evaluation. Call the emergency number evenings and week-ends if necessary.
8. A biting dog, cat or domestic farm animal will be confined for observation for ten (10) days. If no symptoms develop, there is no danger of rabies exposure for the person bitten.
9. A biting stray cat or dog, a biting wild animal, if captured, or any exotic pet, such as a ferret, will be submitted to the New York State Rabies Laboratory and tested for the virus.
10. If a cat or dog fights with a known or suspected rabid animal, the rabies virus in the animals saliva may remain alive on the pets skin for up to (2) hours and up to fifteen minutes in its mouth. If it is necessary to handle the pet during this period, wear gloves. Wash the pet with soap and water. Call the Erie County Health Department (ECHD) to report the incident.
11. Animals which are frequently confirmed to be rabid in New York State, and should always be assumed to be rabid, are: raccoons, bats, foxes, and skunks.
12. Animals which are occasionally found to be rabid in New York State include dogs, cats, horses, cows, sheep, deer, woodchucks, opossums, pig, coyotes, and otter.
13. If any wild animal behaves in a strange manner such as; excessively aggressive, displays paralysis of the hind quarters of the body, has a slack or drooping jaw, acts tame, has no fear of humans, is disoriented, or wandering aimlessly:
    • a. Leave it alone! Unless there is a bite involved, no agency is responsible for a wild animal; but, if there is a real threat to public safety, you can call your animal control officer, local police, or the DEC to capture or kill the animal.
    • b. If you do choose to destroy the animal yourself, use a method that will not damage the head or expose you to saliva or nervous tissue. DO NOT TOUCH the animal at any time without using rubber gloves or a plastic bag.
14. If an animal is found dead on your property and you have no reason to believe that a person or pet has been in contact with its saliva or nerve tissue, recommended disposal is the burial under 36 of soil. (See 13b)
15. Rabies vaccination for all dogs and cats is mandatory in Erie County.
16. Vaccination is not a guarantee of protection from rabies for your pet. Any vaccinated pet which encounters a wild animal must receive a booster shot within five (5) days.
17. Any unvaccinated pet which is exposed to a wild animal must be either:
    • a. Sacrificed and buried.
    • b. Closely confined in a manner acceptable to the Health Department at the expense of the owner for six (6) months.
18. Should your animal develop any rabies-like symptoms (see #13), isolate it and contact the Health Department.
19. Any person who is at risk for exposure to rabies by frequent contact with warm-blooded animal saliva or bodily fluids may wish to consider rabies pre-exposure shots as a precaution. They are not a guarantee, but they reduce the chance of disease. Consult your personal physician.