Delawareans reminded to use caution around wild animals

The Delaware Division of Public Health is strongly reminding Delawareans to use caution when around unknown wild animals, including feral cats and other stray animals.

The reminder comes after a skunk in Greenwood recently tested positive for rabies after attacking a stray cat. The cat escaped and was later found dead in a nearby area.

“This situation is a good reminder for everyone to not touch, feed or approach stray animals. Had that cat returned to its feral colony and been infected with rabies from the attack, it could have transmitted the infection to other cats,” said Dr. Rick Hong, DPH medical director. “For the safety of everyone, the best thing to do to avoid risk of exposure to rabies is to stay away from unfamiliar wild or stray animals.”

Rabies is a preventable disease. DPH recommends that individuals take the following steps to prevent rabies exposure:

• All dogs, cats, and ferrets 6 months of age and older are required by Delaware law to be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian.

• Pet owners can reduce the possibility of pets being exposed to rabies by keeping them indoors and not letting them roam free. It is especially important for pet owners who do allow their cats to roam outdoors to vaccinate them.

• Do not touch or otherwise handle wild or unfamiliar animals, including cats and dogs, even if they appear friendly.

• Do not keep your pet's food or water outdoors; bowls can attract wild and stray animals.

• Do not feed feral animals, including cats, as the risk of rabies in wildlife is significant.

• Spaying or neutering your pet may reduce the tendency to roam or fight, and thus reduce the chance they will be exposed to rabies.

• Keep your garbage securely covered.

Consider vaccinating livestock and horses, as well. Consult with a private veterinarian about any questions regarding whether animal(s) should be vaccinated against rabies.

Since Jan. 1, 2021, DPH has performed rabies tests on 171 animals, 17 of which were confirmed to be rabid, which includes one dog, two raccoons, two skunks including this one, one fox, three cats, six bats, one cow and a deer. DPH only announces rabies cases for which it is possible the animal had unknown contacts with additional humans or pets.

In 2020, DPH performed rabies tests on 121 animals, four of which were confirmed to be rabid, including one raccoon one bat, and two cats. Two additional Delaware animals were tested out of state and confirmed positive, bringing the state total to six.

Rabies is an infectious disease affecting the nervous system of humans and other mammals. Infection can occur through the bite or scratch of an infected animal or if saliva from such an animal gets into the eyes, nose, mouth, or an opening in the skin. Rabies in humans and animals cannot be cured once symptoms appear. Therefore, if a human has been exposed, and the animal is unavailable to be quarantined or tested, DPH recommends that people receive post-exposure prophylaxis treatment, a series of four vaccinations, as a precautionary measure.

For more information on the DPH rabies program, go to dhss.delaware.gov or call 1-866-972-9705 or 302-744-4995. For more information on rabies, go to cdc.gov/rabies.