RABIES Introduction
Rabies FAQs
Rabies and Bats Fact sheet
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FAQ's about Rabies
- What is rabies?
- How would people get rabies?
- Who takes care of animal control in Fairfax County?
- How can I protect myself and my pets against rabies?
Rabies is caused by a virus that attacks the spinal cord and brain in
warm blooded animals. Animals with rabies can survive for up to six
months in an infected state and can endanger other animals. During the
infectious stage, the rabies virus is present in the animal's saliva and
can be transmitted through any open wound in the skin or in the membranes
in the eyes, nose or mouth.
Once clinical signs--or overt symptoms--appear the animal will die
within a week. A pet, when bitten by a rabid animal, may develop symptoms
within two to 24 weeks, but the usual period is within three to eight
weeks. Initially, the pet would show abrupt changes in behavior, such as
increased anxiety, depression, irritability or even more displays of
affection than usual. In the most common form of rabies, clinical
symptoms include convulsions, muscular in coordination, extreme
irritability, frenzied behavior and foaming at the mouth. In a less
common form, the animal becomes depressed and may hide. Finally, the
animal develops paralysis of the jaw, followed by general paralysis and
death. Once clinical symptoms appear, there is no cure for rabies.
People usually get rabies from the bite of a rabid animal. It is also possible, but quite rare, that people may get rabies if infectious material from a rabid animal, such as saliva, gets directly into their eyes, nose, mouth, or a wound.
Who takes care of animal control in Fairfax County?
All questions and reports involving animal bites, injured animals or complaints of animal cruelty should be referred to the Animal Services Division of the Fairfax County Police Department at 703-691-2131. The Animal Services Division will respond to calls about wildlife (such as bats, raccoons, foxes, opossums) that are sick or injured, or are inside the living area of a resident’s home.
More information about the Animal Services Division may be found on the Fairfax County Police Department FAQ page or call their office at 703-691-2131.
How can I protect myself and my pets against rabies?
Have your pets inoculated against rabies. Both state law and County ordinance require that dogs and cats four months of age and older be inoculated. Inoculation against rabies is not a one-time shot. The vaccine must be administered every one or three years, depending on the vaccine used and the age of the animal. The Animal Services Division conducts reduced-cost rabies inoculation clinics for dogs and cats each year. For more information, call the Animal Shelter at 703-830-1100.
- If bitten by a wild or stray animal or a pet that is acting strangely, wash the wound immediately and thoroughly with soap and water--preferably soaking the affected area for 10 minutes--and apply antiseptic, seek medical attention and report the incident to the Animal Services Division of the Fairfax County Police Department at 703-691-2131, TTY 204-2264.
- If someone is bitten by a wild animal or any animal for which the owner is unknown, make a reasonable attempt to confine the animal. If confinement is not safely possible, try to watch the animal until the officer arrives. Notify the Fairfax County Police Department's Animal Services Division, 703-691-2131 immediately so the animal can be captured for necessary rabies tests.
- Minimize contact between domestic and wild animals. Pet owners can take precautions such as having pets sleep indoors, walking pets on a leash and feeding cats and dogs inside.
- Keep dogs correctly restricted: Unrestricted dogs are not allowed in Fairfax County. An unrestricted dog is defined as follows: not under the control of the owner or his agent either by leash, cord, chain, or primary enclosure when off the property or premises of the owner or custodian; an electronic device does not qualify as a leash, cord or chain.
- If a cat, dog or other mammal is bitten by, or exposed to a potentially rabid animal, contact the Animal Services Division of the Fairfax County Police Department, 703-691-2131, and the Health Department, 703-246-2433, for follow-up and information.
- Prevent contact with wild or stray animals by keeping trash in closed trash cans and sealing off openings into your house that might provide entry for wildlife, including open areas under decks and houses, chimneys and pet doors. Do not feed stray animals.
- Don't keep wild animals as pets. Even a baby skunk or raccoon born in captivity can be a rabies carrier.