Rabies is a preventable disease that is caused by a virus. The rabies virus attacks the nervous system of humans and other mammals. It results in death if it is not diagnosed and treated before symptoms appear. Therefore, early recognition of exposure to rabies is extremely important.

Rabies is found in the saliva of an infected (rabid) animal. It is spread when the rabid animal bites another animal or person. It is also possible, but rare, that people may get rabies if saliva from a rabid animal, gets into their eyes, nose, mouth, or a wound.

Most rabies cases occur in wild animals like bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes. Occasionally, rabies cases occur in domestic animals like cats and dogs. In Michigan, bats are the species most at risk for rabies infection. Of all the species of animals tested each year in the state, bats are the most likely to be positive.

To reduce your risk of exposure to rabies:

• Do not approach, handle or feed unfamiliar or wild animals.
• Do not leave litter or open garbage cans outside which may attract wild animals.
• Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home.
• Prevent bats from entering homes, churches, schools, etc.
• If you will be traveling abroad, consult with your doctor about the risk of exposure to rabies in the country you plan to visit. Pre-exposure prophylaxis may be recommended.

Be a responsible pet owner.

• Keep rabies vaccinations up-to-date for all dogs, cats, ferrets, horses, cattle, and sheep. Michigan law requires that dogs must be vaccinated for rabies.
• Keep your pets under direct supervision so they do not come in contact with wild animals. If your pet is bitten by a wild animal, seek veterinary assistance.
• Call Vector Control (724-6007) to remove stray animals from your neighborhood.
• Spay or neuter your pets.

If you are bitten or scratched by a potentially rabid animal:

• Wash the wound with soap and water and seek medical attention immediately!
• Rabies Post-exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is highly effective in preventing rabies in people, if administered before symptoms develop.
• If possible to do so safely, contain the animal so that it can be tested for rabies. If the animal tests negative for rabies, then PEP may not be necessary. For information specific to bats, click here.
• Call 724-1204 to report the incident.

Other Useful Information

Animal Bite Investigation

Dog Bite Prevention

Rabies & Bats

Rabies Post-exposure Prophylaxis

Vector Control

For more information, please call (231) 724-6007.