Protect Yourself and Your Pets
Rabies is a significant health concern in Michigan, especially during warmer months when animal and human interactions increase. Understanding how to prevent rabies and what to do in case of an animal bite is crucial for protecting yourself and your pets.
Rabies Awareness: Avoid Wildlife and Vaccinate Pets
Rabies is a deadly virus that affects the nervous system of mammals, including humans. Every 10 minutes, someone in the United States receives treatment for potential rabies exposure. Annually, about 5,000 animals, primarily wildlife, test positive for rabies across the country. Shockingly, 7 out of 10 people who die from rabies in the U.S. are infected by bats. It’s essential to stay informed about rabies and take preventive measures.
- Avoid Contact with Wildlife: Wildlife, especially bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes, are common carriers of rabies. Stay away from wild animals and teach children to do the same.
- Vaccinate Your Pets: Ensure your pets are vaccinated against rabies. This not only protects them but also reduces the risk of human exposure.
- Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with rabies information and local wildlife activity.
Read more information about Rabies | Learn about Michigan’s Bats
Mandatory Reporting of Animal Bites for Rabies Prevention
If you or your pet is bitten by an animal, it is vital to report the incident immediately. If Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) for rabies is administered, reporting from the Provider (Emergency Room) to the Local Health Department is mandatory. PEP can prevent the virus from developing if administered promptly.
- Report Animal Bites: Download the necessary form to report animal bites here.
- Fax Reports: Send the completed form to the Van Buren/Cass District Health Department (VBCDHD) Public Health Nursing and your County Animal Control.
- Van Buren County Public Health Nursing Fax: 269-621-2725
- Van Buren County Animal Control Fax: 269-657-7207
- Cass County Public Health Nursing Fax: 269-782-0121
- Cass County Animal Control Fax: 269-445-5018
Report Wildlife or Wild Bird Diseases
Help protect Michigan’s wildlife by reporting any sick or dead animals you encounter. If you observe unusual behavior in wildlife or discover dead wild birds, it is crucial to report it to the proper authorities to prevent the spread of diseases like rabies.
- Report by Phone: Call the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) at 517-336-5030.
- Report Online: Use the Eyes in the Field website to submit a report.
Your vigilance is key to safeguarding Michigan’s natural ecosystems and public health.
Rabies Protocols and Vaccine Information
Understanding the protocols for rabies exposure and vaccination is essential for both humans and animals.
- Human Rabies PEP Protocol: Click here for details on post-exposure prophylaxis for humans.
- Rabies Protocol for Animals: Click here for protocols regarding dogs, cats, ferrets, livestock, or mammals that may have been exposed to rabies or have bitten someone.
- Vaccine Information Sheets:
Contact Information
- Van Buren County: 269-621-3143
- Cass County: 269-782-0064
Additional Rabies Resources
The CDC’s National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID) offers a comprehensive tool, the Rabies Status: Assessment by Country, which provides global rabies data, including the presence of dog rabies, surveillance efforts, and vaccine availability.
Who Benefits from This Tool?
- International Travelers: Check rabies status in your destination country before traveling.
- Pet Importers: Determine if your dog’s country of origin is high-risk for rabies and if a rabies vaccine certificate is required for entry into the U.S.
For more information on the CDC’s efforts to combat rabies, both domestically and globally, visit the CDC Rabies webpage. For details on pet importation and health requirements, check the CDC Importation website.