Protecting Yourself from Rabid Animals

Rabies is a virus commonly associated with wild animals. When infected with rabies, wild animals can pose a significant risk to humans. The virus is easily spread through the saliva of a sick animal that can be transferred when an infected animal bites a person. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is a treatment used when individuals suspected of exposure and infection by the virus need aid. In the United States, there are approximately 40,000 individuals who are given this treatment yearly. 

Prevalence of Rabies In Domesticated Animal Populations 

While the majority of infected animals who get reported are not domesticated, about 90% are wild, our pets are not immune from carrying the virus. Cats and dogs that are beloved family members in so many homes throughout the country actually are the cause of the majority of PEP treatments. Surprisingly, more cats get reported for rabies than dogs. Some reasoning behind this difference in infection amongst pets is that cats tend to roam outdoors unattended more so than dogs and are at a higher risk of contracting the virus from wildlife. The other major issue seen in cat owners as a whole is that they tend to visit veterinarians for shots and checkups at a far lower frequency than do dog owners.

Reducing Risks of Infection For Humans

The first thing to do to reduce the risk of infection to yourself and your family is to keep your animals vaccinated. This includes all animals, even farm animals and livestock like goats or horses. The second thing you can do is keep your distance from wild animals. You can never know for sure if an animal is infected or if a wild animal will attack as they are quite unpredictable. Staying away from handling them and encountering them in nature is simply a safety measure you should always take, especially when your children are around.

Even if you stay vigilant and alert to your surroundings, you still may encounter a rabid animal. If you suspect you or a loved one has been exposed, make sure to get your wounds washed as soon as possible with warm water and soap. Then, don’t hesitate to get the PEP shot sequence started. Additionally, make sure to report the animal to animal control so that they don’t infect anyone else.

Keeping your pets safe, keeps your family safe. Ensure your animals do not have encounters with wildlife that could potentially infect them. Of course, keeping animals up-to-date with their shots and checkups at the vet is essential to their health as well as your family’s.

Phoenix Dog Attack Attorneys 

We are in close contact with our pets. However, we are also in close contact with other pets. This contact comes via visiting others’ homes who have pets, being near animals and their owners, as well as being in contact with loose animals who may have escaped their homes. When you’ve been bitten or attacked by another’s pet who you suspect of rabies, the Arizona dog bite attorneys at ELG can help you with a personal injury claim.

Our knowledgeable team of experienced Phoenix dog injury accident attorneys can evaluate your case and provide you guidance regarding your legal rights. We can inform you of your options and pathways to obtain your much-needed compensation for your injuries. Don’t wait to call either our Phoenix or Mesa personal injury law offices at (623) 877-3600 today to discuss your attack experience during a completely free consultation. We are committed to helping you seek your best and most healthful outcome.