Rabies still a threat in Alabama despite being preventable, health officials warn

ALABAMA (WHNT) — The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) is reminding residents to stay alert about rabies after recent reports of the disease in animals across the state, including pets, livestock, and wildlife.

ADPH says rabies remains a serious threat in Alabama, even though it’s completely preventable in humans if treated promptly before symptoms appear. In recent years, rabies cases have been found in horses and bats, discovered in day care centers, stray kittens on college campuses, dogs in rural and suburban neighborhoods and wild animals, like raccoons, foxes, coyotes, skunks and bobcats.

Rabies is a deadly viral infection that affects the central nervous system of mammals. It’s usually spread through the bite of an infected animal, though exposure can also happen through scratches or contact with saliva on broken skin or mucous membranes.

ADPH says two strains of rabies circulate in the state — the raccoon variant and the bat variant. The raccoon strain can spread to other animals, including pets. The bat strain poses a particular concern because bat bites can go unnoticed.

“Vaccinating pets is the best way to keep your family safe,” ADPH officials said in a statement. State law requires dogs, cats, and ferrets to be vaccinated against rabies. Vaccines are also available and recommended for horses and other livestock.

Officials also urge anyone who finds bats in their home or bedroom to contact their doctor or local health department immediately for advice.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that around 100,000 Americans receive preventive rabies treatment every year following potential exposure. Treatment involves cleaning the wound, administering rabies immune globulin, and completing a series of vaccinations. Thanks to these measures, only a few human rabies deaths occur nationwide each year.

In Alabama, public health workers investigate possible rabies cases, test animals, and promote vaccination programs. The state has required pet vaccinations for more than 70 years and has participated in a federal program since 2003 to stop the westward spread of rabies by vaccinating raccoons orally.

ADPH shared the following tips to help prevent rabies:

• Avoid animal bites and scratches, and seek medical care right away if bitten.
• Don’t approach stray or wild animals, even if they seem friendly.
• Never handle bats.
• Keep pets and livestock vaccinated.
• Keep pets leashed or confined and away from wildlife.
• Secure garbage and pet food to avoid attracting wild animals.

Any animal bite or scratch should be checked by a doctor and reported to the county health department. Pets that bite humans must be examined by a veterinarian.

More information about rabies prevention and testing is available through the Alabama Department of Public Health at alabamapublichealth.gov.