Animal Rabies Warning

Four skunks have tested positive for rabies since December 2009.

The Monterey County Health Department would like to remind residents about the continuous health threat presented by rabid animals in our community.

Rabies is common in the following local wildlife:

• skunks
• bats
• foxes

Household pets like dogs and cats are at risk for contracting rabies from these wildlife animals, especially if they are not yet protected by a rabies vaccine.  Rabies vaccines can be obtained at:

Monterey County Animal Services
160 Hitchcock Road
Salinas, CA 93908
(831) 769-8850
Monday-Saturday 12:00 pm-5:30 pm

The rabies virus can be passed to humans and household pets by a bite from a rabid animal, or if the saliva of an infected animal gets into a fresh scratch, break in the skin, or mucous membranes of the eyes, mouth an nose, however transmission is less common this way.

Monterey County residents should take the following actions to keep themselves safe:

• Avoid leaving pet food outside as it encourages wildlife activity around your home.
• Avoid contact with any of the wildlife listed above.
• Dogs and cats must be kept current on rabies vaccinations.
• Avoid leaving pets unattended out doors.
• Prevent bats from entering living quarters or occupied spaces such as homes, churches, or schools.
• Do not attempt to seperate animals that are fighting.

Contact the Health Department’s Animal Services (831) 769-8850 ext 3 IMMEDIATELY for the following:

• If you or your pet have had contact with any of the above animals or a domesticate animal you believe to be infected with rabies.
• It is highly unusual for skunks, bats, raccons, or opossums to be seen during clear, sunny, daylight hours.  If you witness this or any other suspicious behavior, such as a staggering or abnormally agressive animal.
• Wild animals found dead or ill.

Rabies FAQ’s

• How soon after an exposure should I seek medical attention?

Contact your physician IMMEDIATELY as medical assistance should be obtained as soon as possible after an exposure. There have been no vaccine failures in the US (i.e., someone developed rabies) when postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) was given promptly and appropriately after exposure. But again, once symptoms appear, rabies is fatal. Do not delay treatment.

• What medical attention do I need if I am exposed to rabies?

According to the CDC, one of the most effective methods to decrease the chances for infection involves thorough washing of the wound with soap and water. Specific medical attention for someone exposed to rabies is called postexposure prophylaxis or PEP. PEP consists of a regime of 1 dose of immune globulin and 5 doses of rabies vaccine over a 28-day period. This regiment should be started as soon as possible after exposure. Current vaccines are relatively painless and are given in your arm, like a flu or tetanus vaccine (not in the stomach anymore).

• What happens if my pet (cat, dog) is bitten by a wild animal?

Contact your veterinarian and the Monterey County Animal Services immediately! Any animal bitten or scratched by either a wild, carnivorous mammal or a bat should be regarded as having been exposed to rabies. California State law requires that any domestic animal exposed to rabies be placed into quarantine based on whether it has a current rabies vaccination and/or the wild animal is available for testing. Animal services is the agency that would determine the protocol to be followed for each case.

This information is available as an English and Spanish flyer to post on information boards or distribute to community members.