Rabies is a deadly disease transmitted from animals to humans. The virus infects domestic and wild creatures, which is why animal control is crucial in its prevention. In many cases, an infection can be fatal, but this outcome is preventable with early treatment and by minimizing your risk of exposure.

Consider the following steps to protect your family, pets, and livestock from contracting and spreading the virus:

• Have Pets & Livestock Vaccinated: The law requires that all dogs and cats four months old and above be vaccinated against rabies and that they are kept current. Also, take extra precaution and ensure all pets and livestock are supervised and confined at night.

• Keep Pets Away From Stray or Wild Animals: Always report any strange behavior to your local animal control expert or law enforcement officer. Do not try to feed or take care of stray or wild animals as they could be rabies carriers. You can also lessen the odds of a stray living near or in your home by repairing any openings on your property, putting a screen on crawl spaces, or capping your chimney.

• Administer First Aid in Case of Rabies Exposure: If you've been scratched or bitten by an animal exposed to rabies, wash the infected area immediately and thoroughly with soap and warm water. Contact your doctor or head to the emergency clinic at once. Rabies treatment has to be administered immediately for it to be effective. You should also contact animal control to capture the affected creature.  

If you need animal control in New Milford, CT, the professionals at American Bio-Tech Wildlife Services are committed to resolving issues ethically and humanely. The company uses effective and eco-friendly methods to remove critters, relocating them to DEEP-approved lands. You can contact them through their website, or call (860) 355-1231 to speak with a representative today.