Do

• Have all dogs, cats and ferrets vaccinated against rabies.
• Avoid animals that are acting in an unusual manner.
• Teach children to stay away from wild animals, stray cats and loose dogs.
• Wash all wounds with water and soap.
• Observe suspect animals from a distance.
• Try to contain an animal that bites you - only if you can do so without endangering yourself or others.

Don't

• Touch any dead animal with your bare hands. Wear rubber gloves if you must move it or place it in a trash bag.
• Touch a household pet with bare hands after it has fought with a wild animal. Do wear rubber gloves to examine your pet and wash hands afterwards with soap and water.
• Try to separate fighting animals with your hands. Instead use a stick or pole to avoid getting bit or scratched.
• Touch any wild animal.

What is Rabies?

Rabies is a fatal viral infection that affects the central nervous system. All mammals, including humans, can get rabies. The disease is spread by infected animals, usually through bites, but scratches and saliva contact with broken skin or mucous membranes are also possible routes of infection.

If you see a suspected rabid animal that is not an immediate threat, or if you have any questions regarding rabies, rabies vaccine, exposure treatment or animal removal, contact the Minnesota Department of Health 651-201-5414.