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What is rabies?
Rabies is a viral disease that attacks the nervous system. It results
in paralysis and almost certain death once the symptoms appear. Symptoms of rabies usually
develop within two to eight weeks after one is infected.
All warm-blooded animals can be infected by the virus, but in this
area it is most likely to be seen in raccoons, foxes, skunks, bats, and when not vaccinated
against it, in cats and dogs. Rabies is, however, rarely seen in rodents such as mice,
squirrels, chipmunks, guinea pigs, and hamsters, or in rabbits.
STAY SAFE AROUND ANIMALS!!!
WHAT TO DO IF BITTEN?
| BY A WILD ANIMAL |
| 1. Immediately wash the wound with lots of soap and water. |
| 2. Capture or kill the animal, if possible, so it can be tested
for rabies. Take care to prevent additional bites or damage to the animals head. (DO NOT
FREEZE) |
| 3. Get medical attention. Go to your family doctor or the nearest
emergency room. |
| BY A PET DOG OR CAT |
| 1. Immediately wash the wound with lots of soap and water. |
| 2. Obtain the pet owner's name, address, telephone number. Find out if
the animal has a current rabies vaccination (shot) and write down the rabies tag number. The
owner is responsible to quarantine the animal. |
| 3. Get medical attention. Go to your family doctor or the nearest
emergency room. |
| WRITE DOWN THIS INFORMATION |
| 1. The type and description of the animal. |
3. The behavior of the animal. |
| 2. How and when the byte occurred. |
4. The owner of the animal. |
Those most likely to be exposed to rabies are cats and dogs who are allowed
to roam,
farm animals, and humans who hunt, hike and camp.
HOW TO PREVENT ANIMAL BITES
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Always leave animals alone when they are eating. |
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Never tease or scare animals; remember animals guard their owners, territory and property. |
| • |
Never mistreat or hurt any animal. |
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Never pet animals when they have babies. |
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Never try to stop an animal fight. |
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Leave injured, sick or dead animals alone, and get help. |
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Leave all wild animals alone, especially when seen during the day. |
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Never keep wild animals as pets, even if they are babies. |
WHAT TO DO IN THREATENING SITUATIONS
• STAY CALM
• STAND STILL
• DO NOT RUN
• TALK SOFTLY TO THE ANIMAL
• BACK AWAY SLOWLY
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| ALL CATS & DOGS MUST BE IMMUNIZED. IT'S THE LAW!!! |
MAKE SAFETY A HABIT
| KEY PHONE NUMBERS |
| Warren County Department of Health 723-4870 |
Paws Along the River Pet Adoption Center 726-1961
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| ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER |
STRAY DOGS? |
| Warren County 726-3604 |
1. Does it have tags? License? Year? Number? |
| DOG CONTROL HOURS |
2. Tie or confine for someone to pick it up |
| Sat. 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. M-F |
3. After hours, please house it in a garage, shed or basement until someone can pick it up in the morning |
SICK WILD ANIMALS |
| Game Commission - Meadville 332-6890 |
| Tamarack Wildlife - Sue 763-2574 |
DOG LICENSE INFORMATION |
| Paws Along the River 726-1961 |
| Treasurer's Office 728-3415 |
DOG BITES/DOGS RUNNING AT LARGE |
| State Dog Warden 755-5804 |
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