“Keep your distance from wild and stray animals, and teach your children to avoid them, too,” Amler said.
How to tell if an animal is rabid:
• Unusual behavior may be the first sign of rabies in an animal.
• A rabid animal may become either abnormally aggressive or unusually tame.
• Some rabid animals lose their fear of people and become excited and irritable, or appear passive and lethargic.
• Staggering and frothing at the mouth are sometimes noted.
What should you do if bitten or scratched by a wild or stray animal:
• Wash the bite or scratch with warm, soapy water.
• Call your doctor or hospital to find out if additional treatment is needed.
• Report the incident to the health department, 24 hours a day, at (914) 813-5000. If calling after business hours, follow the recorded instructions for reporting public health emergencies.
If pets fight with other animals:
• Wear gloves when handling pet during and after an encounter with another animal.
• Call veterinarian and the animal control officer in your community to report the incident.
• If your pet is exposed to a suspect rabid animal, try to keep the animal in sight until the police or a wildlife trapper arrive.
• If your pet bites or scratches someone, confine your animal and call the Westchester County Health Department immediately at 914-813-5000.
For more information about rabies and its prevention can be found on the Health Department’s website at www.westchestergov.com/health.
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