Rabies and Vector Control
Preventing the spread of disease is one of the foundations of a healthy community. Environmental Health helps to protect the health of the citizens of Monongalia County by doing Rabies Surveillance. Rabies Surveillance means monitoring and/or testing of animals that have bitten or scratched a person or another animal to see if rabies is the cause of the incident.
Environmental Health also oversees Vector Control. This involves monitoring and/or eliminating conditions (like standing water or trash piles) that allow animals and insects that are known to transmit disease to humans (known as vectors) like mosquitoes and rodents to reproduce and thrive. |
Yes they're cute, but feeding wild animals like raccoons can lead to animal bites and even rabies. Please don't try to keep wildlife as pets.
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Rabies Surveillance
What the Health Department Does
Whenever there is an animal encounter, we want to make sure that the person or animal that was bitten was not exposed to the rabies virus. Since rabies is a fatal disease it is important to eliminate it as a cause of the animal encounter. The methods used depend on whether it was a domestic animal or wild animal that did the biting.
When the Health Department becomes aware that a domestic animal (dog, cat, ferret) has bitten a person a Sanitarian will attempt to contact the owner of the biting animal. The Sanitarian will attempt to verify if the biting animal has a current rabies vaccine. The Sanitarian will also give the animal owner a Notice that the animal needs to quarantined. Quarantine involves isolating the animal at the animal owner's home, or another animal care facility depending on the situation, for 10 days to make sure that there are no sudden changes in the health or behavior of the animal that could indicate rabies. Quarantine helps to prevent exposure of other people or animals in the event that the biting animal shows signs of rabies. If the animal is still healthy and there have been no changes in the normal behavior of the animal at the end of the quarantine period then rabies can be ruled out as the cause of the incident.
When a person is bitten by a wild animal the only way to rule out rabies is to have the animal tested for rabies.
If a domestic animal is bitten by a wild animal, or bites and kills a wild animal, the domestic animal will have to be quarantined. The amount of time that the domestic animal will have to be quarantined will depend on whether the wild animal is available for testing and whether the domestic animal has a current rabies vaccine.
Whenever there is an animal encounter, we want to make sure that the person or animal that was bitten was not exposed to the rabies virus. Since rabies is a fatal disease it is important to eliminate it as a cause of the animal encounter. The methods used depend on whether it was a domestic animal or wild animal that did the biting.
When the Health Department becomes aware that a domestic animal (dog, cat, ferret) has bitten a person a Sanitarian will attempt to contact the owner of the biting animal. The Sanitarian will attempt to verify if the biting animal has a current rabies vaccine. The Sanitarian will also give the animal owner a Notice that the animal needs to quarantined. Quarantine involves isolating the animal at the animal owner's home, or another animal care facility depending on the situation, for 10 days to make sure that there are no sudden changes in the health or behavior of the animal that could indicate rabies. Quarantine helps to prevent exposure of other people or animals in the event that the biting animal shows signs of rabies. If the animal is still healthy and there have been no changes in the normal behavior of the animal at the end of the quarantine period then rabies can be ruled out as the cause of the incident.
When a person is bitten by a wild animal the only way to rule out rabies is to have the animal tested for rabies.
If a domestic animal is bitten by a wild animal, or bites and kills a wild animal, the domestic animal will have to be quarantined. The amount of time that the domestic animal will have to be quarantined will depend on whether the wild animal is available for testing and whether the domestic animal has a current rabies vaccine.
So what should you do if you (or your pet) are involved in an Animal Encounter?
Human Exposure
If you are bitten by a owned domestic animal
If it is a severe bite or other type of emergency you should call 911. If it is not a severe bite or scratch you should still seek medical attention. Your doctor will decide what the appropriate treatment is for you. Your doctor will also report the animal encounter to the Health Department.
Try to get contact information for the animal owner. The Health Department will need this information to verify vaccine status and order quarantine.
If you are bitten by a stray domestic animal
If it is a severe bite or other type of emergency you should call 911. If it is not a severe bite or scratch you should call the MECCA non-emergency number: 304-599-6382. MECCA will refer your call to the Dog Warden/Canine Adoption Center. They will attempt to pick up the stray animal for testing if it is available.
*Do not attempt to capture the stray animal yourself.*
After calling you should seek medical attention. Your doctor will decide what the appropriate treatment is for you. Your doctor will also report the animal encounter to the Health Department.
If you see a stray animal on your property that is acting sick or has died, call the MECCA non-emergency number: 304-599-6382.
If you find a bat in your house
If you find a bat in your house, especially if you find it in a bedroom in the morning or after you have been sleeping, you need to assume that you may be exposed, even if you do not see any bite marks on yourself. Call the MECCA non-emergency number: 304-599-6382.
*Do not attempt to capture the bat yourself.*
MECCA will give you instructions and refer your call to the appropriate agency. After calling you should seek medical attention. Your doctor will decide what the appropriate treatment is for you. Your doctor will also report the animal encounter to the Health Department.
If you are bitten by a wild animal
If you are bitten by a wild animal you should call 911. The 911 operator will give you instructions and refer your call to the appropriate agency (DNR, USDA, Police, Wildlife Removal Company) who will attempt to capture the animal for testing if it is available.
*Do not attempt to capture the wild animal yourself.*
After calling you should seek medical attention. Your doctor will decide what the appropriate treatment is for you. Your doctor will also report the animal encounter to the Health Department.
If you see a wild animal on your property that is acting sick or has died, call the MECCA non-emergency number:
304-599-6382.
If it is a severe bite or other type of emergency you should call 911. If it is not a severe bite or scratch you should still seek medical attention. Your doctor will decide what the appropriate treatment is for you. Your doctor will also report the animal encounter to the Health Department.
Try to get contact information for the animal owner. The Health Department will need this information to verify vaccine status and order quarantine.
If you are bitten by a stray domestic animal
If it is a severe bite or other type of emergency you should call 911. If it is not a severe bite or scratch you should call the MECCA non-emergency number: 304-599-6382. MECCA will refer your call to the Dog Warden/Canine Adoption Center. They will attempt to pick up the stray animal for testing if it is available.
*Do not attempt to capture the stray animal yourself.*
After calling you should seek medical attention. Your doctor will decide what the appropriate treatment is for you. Your doctor will also report the animal encounter to the Health Department.
If you see a stray animal on your property that is acting sick or has died, call the MECCA non-emergency number: 304-599-6382.
If you find a bat in your house
If you find a bat in your house, especially if you find it in a bedroom in the morning or after you have been sleeping, you need to assume that you may be exposed, even if you do not see any bite marks on yourself. Call the MECCA non-emergency number: 304-599-6382.
*Do not attempt to capture the bat yourself.*
MECCA will give you instructions and refer your call to the appropriate agency. After calling you should seek medical attention. Your doctor will decide what the appropriate treatment is for you. Your doctor will also report the animal encounter to the Health Department.
If you are bitten by a wild animal
If you are bitten by a wild animal you should call 911. The 911 operator will give you instructions and refer your call to the appropriate agency (DNR, USDA, Police, Wildlife Removal Company) who will attempt to capture the animal for testing if it is available.
*Do not attempt to capture the wild animal yourself.*
After calling you should seek medical attention. Your doctor will decide what the appropriate treatment is for you. Your doctor will also report the animal encounter to the Health Department.
If you see a wild animal on your property that is acting sick or has died, call the MECCA non-emergency number:
304-599-6382.
Pet Exposure
If your pet is bitten by a owned domestic animal
If it is a severe bite or other type of emergency you should take your pet to your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will decide what the appropriate treatment is for your pet. They will also report the animal encounter to the Health Department.
Try to get contact information for the owner. The Health Department will need this information to verify vaccine status and order quarantine.
If your pet is bitten by a stray domestic animal
If it is a severe bite or other type of emergency you should take your pet to your veterinarian. If it is not a severe bite or scratch you should call the MECCA non-emergency number: 304-599-6382. MECCA will refer your call to the Dog Warden/Canine Adoption Center. They will attempt to pick up the stray animal for testing if it is available.
*Do not attempt to capture the stray animal yourself.*
After calling you should take your pet to your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will decide what the appropriate treatment is for your pet. They will also report the animal encounter to the Health Department.
If you see a stray animal on your property that is acting sick or has died, call the MECCA non-emergency number:
304-599-6382.
If your pet is bitten, or bites and kills, a wild animal.
If it is a severe bite or other type of emergency you should take your pet to your veterinarian. If it is not a severe bite or scratch you should call the MECCA non-emergency number: 304-599-6382. MECCA will give you instructions and refer your call to the appropriate agency (DNR, USDA, Police, Wildlife Removal Company) who will attempt to capture the animal for testing if it is available.
*Do not attempt to capture the wild animal yourself.*
After calling you should take your pet to your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will decide what the appropriate treatment is for your pet. They will also report the animal encounter to the Health Department.
If you see a wild animal on your property that is acting sick or has died, call the MECCA non-emergency number:
304-599-6382.
If your pet bites a person or a person's pet
Please give your contact information and your pet's vaccine information to the person that your pet bit, or the owner of the animal that your pet bit. The Health Department does not fine animal owners and we will not come and take your pet away. We just want to make sure that rabies was not a cause of the incident.
Note: If you choose not to get medical care for yourself or veterinary care for your pet after an animal encounter, then you are required to report the incident to the Health Department using the form below:
Animal Encounter Report
If it is a severe bite or other type of emergency you should take your pet to your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will decide what the appropriate treatment is for your pet. They will also report the animal encounter to the Health Department.
Try to get contact information for the owner. The Health Department will need this information to verify vaccine status and order quarantine.
If your pet is bitten by a stray domestic animal
If it is a severe bite or other type of emergency you should take your pet to your veterinarian. If it is not a severe bite or scratch you should call the MECCA non-emergency number: 304-599-6382. MECCA will refer your call to the Dog Warden/Canine Adoption Center. They will attempt to pick up the stray animal for testing if it is available.
*Do not attempt to capture the stray animal yourself.*
After calling you should take your pet to your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will decide what the appropriate treatment is for your pet. They will also report the animal encounter to the Health Department.
If you see a stray animal on your property that is acting sick or has died, call the MECCA non-emergency number:
304-599-6382.
If your pet is bitten, or bites and kills, a wild animal.
If it is a severe bite or other type of emergency you should take your pet to your veterinarian. If it is not a severe bite or scratch you should call the MECCA non-emergency number: 304-599-6382. MECCA will give you instructions and refer your call to the appropriate agency (DNR, USDA, Police, Wildlife Removal Company) who will attempt to capture the animal for testing if it is available.
*Do not attempt to capture the wild animal yourself.*
After calling you should take your pet to your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will decide what the appropriate treatment is for your pet. They will also report the animal encounter to the Health Department.
If you see a wild animal on your property that is acting sick or has died, call the MECCA non-emergency number:
304-599-6382.
If your pet bites a person or a person's pet
Please give your contact information and your pet's vaccine information to the person that your pet bit, or the owner of the animal that your pet bit. The Health Department does not fine animal owners and we will not come and take your pet away. We just want to make sure that rabies was not a cause of the incident.
Note: If you choose not to get medical care for yourself or veterinary care for your pet after an animal encounter, then you are required to report the incident to the Health Department using the form below:
Animal Encounter Report
Information for Health Care Facilities and Veterinarians
All animal encounters (includes bites, scratches, saliva/CNS tissue contact with wounds or mucous membranes, and bat contact with no definite bite or scratch) must be reported to the Health Department within 24 hours using the form below:
Animal Encounter Form
If an animal under quarantine is euthanized for any reason before the quarantine period is over you must contact the Health Department so that the animal can be submitted to the WV Office of Laboratory Services for rabies testing.
Vaccine records for animals involved in an animal encounter can be submitted to the Health Department without having to obtain consent from the animal owner.
Reference:
DC-4 WV DHHR Rabies Surveillance, Management, and Control Manual
WV DHHR Animal Bite/Exposure Protocol
64 CSR 7 EXCERPT - West Virginia Reportable Diseases Law - Chapter 5 Animal Bites
Animal Encounter Form
If an animal under quarantine is euthanized for any reason before the quarantine period is over you must contact the Health Department so that the animal can be submitted to the WV Office of Laboratory Services for rabies testing.
Vaccine records for animals involved in an animal encounter can be submitted to the Health Department without having to obtain consent from the animal owner.
Reference:
DC-4 WV DHHR Rabies Surveillance, Management, and Control Manual
WV DHHR Animal Bite/Exposure Protocol
64 CSR 7 EXCERPT - West Virginia Reportable Diseases Law - Chapter 5 Animal Bites
Rabies Prevention
1. One of the easiest and best ways to prevent the spread of rabies is by having your pet vaccinated. West Virginia Code 19-20A requires all owned dogs and cats to be vaccinated against rabies.
2. Do not approach or handle any stray animals or wild animals, no matter how cute they are or how friendly they seem.
3. Know the signs of rabies. These fall into 2 categories: Behavior Changes and Neurological Changes.
Behavior Changes
When animals enter the end stages of the disease, they will often show extreme changes in behavior. Animals, particularly domestic animals, that are normally calm and friendly may become agitated, irritable, and very aggressive. In the same way, animals that are normally aggressive, fearful, or timid may suddenly become calm and friendly (which is why you should never try to pet a "friendly" raccoon, fox, or other wild animal.)
Neurological Changes
Since the rabies virus attacks the brain, as the disease progresses the animal will begin to show signs such as hypersensitivity to light, sound, or touch. Rabies can also cause paralysis of the throat and jaw muscles, which leads to the "foaming at the mouth" symptom that many people associate with rabies. The animal will start to have trouble walking or moving and may suffer from confusion or seizures.
If you see an animal that is displaying the signs of rabies, call 911 right away. Do not attempt to approach or handle the animal. Also, please try not shoot and kill the animal if possible. The animal needs to be captured and humanly euthanized so that it can be tested for rabies. If you have to take action to protect yourself or your family from a rabid animal, please try not to aim for the head because the animal's brain needs to be intact in order to test the animal for rabies.
WV DHHR Rabies Pamphlet
2. Do not approach or handle any stray animals or wild animals, no matter how cute they are or how friendly they seem.
3. Know the signs of rabies. These fall into 2 categories: Behavior Changes and Neurological Changes.
Behavior Changes
When animals enter the end stages of the disease, they will often show extreme changes in behavior. Animals, particularly domestic animals, that are normally calm and friendly may become agitated, irritable, and very aggressive. In the same way, animals that are normally aggressive, fearful, or timid may suddenly become calm and friendly (which is why you should never try to pet a "friendly" raccoon, fox, or other wild animal.)
Neurological Changes
Since the rabies virus attacks the brain, as the disease progresses the animal will begin to show signs such as hypersensitivity to light, sound, or touch. Rabies can also cause paralysis of the throat and jaw muscles, which leads to the "foaming at the mouth" symptom that many people associate with rabies. The animal will start to have trouble walking or moving and may suffer from confusion or seizures.
If you see an animal that is displaying the signs of rabies, call 911 right away. Do not attempt to approach or handle the animal. Also, please try not shoot and kill the animal if possible. The animal needs to be captured and humanly euthanized so that it can be tested for rabies. If you have to take action to protect yourself or your family from a rabid animal, please try not to aim for the head because the animal's brain needs to be intact in order to test the animal for rabies.
WV DHHR Rabies Pamphlet
Vector Control
There are some animals and insects, such as rodents, mosquitoes, and ticks, that can spread diseases to humans. Although these animals and insects are a natural part of the environment where we live, by minimizing our contact with them we can help to prevent the spread of disease.
Trash Piles
Since rodents like to live in trash piles, removing trash from your property is a way to control rodents. West Virginia Code 22C-4-10 requires all persons to have trash service or to take trash to a landfill at least once per month. Since trash with food scraps will also attach other wild animals, such as raccoons, any trash stored outdoors should be kept in a covered and leak-proof trash container.
Standing Water
Since mosquitoes need standing water to breed, removing standing water from your property, or at least around your house, will help to control mosquitoes. Any standing water, a bucket, an old tire, a pot, can be a potential breeding area for mosquitoes. If you live in an area where there are mosquitoes, be sure to use repellents when you are outside to help keep mosquitoes from biting you. If you have any pets, make sure that your pets receive a regular heart worm preventative.
Dead Animals
West Virginia Code 16-9 requires a property owner to properly dispose of any animals that die on their property. This is especially important if the dead animal is located in a creek or stream. Dead animals can also attract other animals such as rodents. Properly disposing of dead animals helps to prevent the spread of disease.
Ticks
Since it is not possible to remove ticks from the environment, you want to try to keep them from biting and attaching to you. When you are out in wooded areas or in tall grass you should put on repellent. When you come back make sure to check yourself for any ticks that tried to hitch a ride on you. If you find a tick attached to you, you can remove it by pulling it straight out (do not twist it) with your fingers or a pair of tweezers. If you find a deer tick (Ixodes scapularis) attached to you, contact your doctor.
Trash Piles
Since rodents like to live in trash piles, removing trash from your property is a way to control rodents. West Virginia Code 22C-4-10 requires all persons to have trash service or to take trash to a landfill at least once per month. Since trash with food scraps will also attach other wild animals, such as raccoons, any trash stored outdoors should be kept in a covered and leak-proof trash container.
Standing Water
Since mosquitoes need standing water to breed, removing standing water from your property, or at least around your house, will help to control mosquitoes. Any standing water, a bucket, an old tire, a pot, can be a potential breeding area for mosquitoes. If you live in an area where there are mosquitoes, be sure to use repellents when you are outside to help keep mosquitoes from biting you. If you have any pets, make sure that your pets receive a regular heart worm preventative.
Dead Animals
West Virginia Code 16-9 requires a property owner to properly dispose of any animals that die on their property. This is especially important if the dead animal is located in a creek or stream. Dead animals can also attract other animals such as rodents. Properly disposing of dead animals helps to prevent the spread of disease.
Ticks
Since it is not possible to remove ticks from the environment, you want to try to keep them from biting and attaching to you. When you are out in wooded areas or in tall grass you should put on repellent. When you come back make sure to check yourself for any ticks that tried to hitch a ride on you. If you find a tick attached to you, you can remove it by pulling it straight out (do not twist it) with your fingers or a pair of tweezers. If you find a deer tick (Ixodes scapularis) attached to you, contact your doctor.
