What You Need to Know:
Pest Protection Plus answers the question: “do raccoons and squirrels have rabies?” we talk about signs of rabies in animals, how rabies works in the central nervous system, we caution people to stay away from wildlife animals that have signs of rabies. Southern Ontario is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including raccoons and squirrels. While these creatures can be fascinating to observe, it’s important to remember that they can also carry diseases, including rabies. At Pest Protection Plus, we understand the importance of keeping your family and pets safe. That’s why we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to help you understand the risks of rabies in Southern Ontario and how to protect yourself.
Yes, both raccoons and squirrels can carry rabies. However, it’s more common in raccoons. Recognizing the Signs of Rabies in Animals Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system. It’s crucial to recognize the signs of rabies in animals to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Here are some common symptoms:
Changes in behavior: A typically nocturnal animal is out during the day, or a diurnal animal is out at night. Wild animals may seem unusually friendly or exhibit a loss of fear towards humans. They may also appear agitated, aggressive, or disoriented.
Difficulty moving: The animal may have trouble walking, appear paralyzed, or have seizures. Excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth: This is a classic sign of rabies, as the virus affects the animal’s ability to swallow.
Self-mutilation: The animal may bite or chew at itself. Important Note: It’s essential to remember that these signs are not exclusive to rabies. Other illnesses or injuries can cause similar symptoms. If you see an animal exhibiting any of these signs, do not approach it. Contact your local animal control or Pest Protection Plus immediately.
Rabies is a deadly virus that attacks the central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord. Once symptoms appear, the disease is almost always fatal. The virus is transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, usually through a bite or scratch.
Here’s how rabies progresses:
Entry: The virus enters the body through a bite or scratch from an infected animal.
Replication: The virus replicates in the muscle tissue near the bite. Spread: The virus travels through the nerves to the central nervous system.
Brain Infection: Once the virus reaches the brain, it causes inflammation and damage, leading to the characteristic symptoms of rabies.
The best way to protect yourself and your pets from rabies is to avoid contact with wild animals. Most commonly Raccoons, and Squirrels.
Here are some essential tips:
Do not feed or approach wild animals: No matter how cute or friendly they may seem, keep a safe distance.
Vaccinate your pets: Ensure your dogs, cats, and ferrets are up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations. This will protect them if they come into contact with an infected animal.
Supervise pets outdoors: Keep your pets on a leash or in a fenced yard to prevent them from interacting with wild animals.
Report any unusual animal behavior: If you see an animal acting strangely, contact your local animal control .
“Rabies-proof” your home: Seal any potential entry points for wild animals, such as gaps in your foundation or openings in your attic.
If you are bitten or scratched by a wild animal, or an animal suspected of having rabies, it’s crucial to take immediate action:
Wash the wound thoroughly: Use soap and water to clean the wound for at least 15 minutes.
Seek medical attention: Contact your doctor or go to the nearest emergency room. You may need to receive post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), a series of shots that can prevent rabies from developing.
Report the incident: Contact your local public health unit to report the bite or scratch. They will investigate the incident and may need to test the animal for rabies. Pest Protection Plus is here to help. If you have any concerns about rabies or wildlife in your area, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Our team of experts can provide professional advice and assistance to ensure your property is safe and protected. Remember, prevention is key when it comes to rabies. By taking the necessary precautions, you can protect yourself, your family, and your pets from this deadly disease. For more information about Southern Ontario wildlife, subscribe to our YouTube channel @pestproplus and follow us on social media @pestproplus.
Learn more form this helpful video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3_7ontL1DE
Learn about the humane wildlife services we offer:https://pestprotectionplus.com/wildlife-removal/