05/17/2026
INTERESTING RABIES FACTS:
Post written by Newhouse Wildlife Rescue.
1. In the United States. there are fewer than 3 cases of human rabies per year. Worldwide studies show 59,000 people die of rabies every year. 95% of these cases occur in Asia and Africa. 95% of worldwide cases are due to dog bites.
2. The most common rabies carriers in the U.S. are raccoons, bats, skunks, and foxes. There has only been 1 documented report of a human death from raccoon rabies in the US.
3. Rabies CAN NOT go through unbroken skin. It can only be spread via a bite from a rabid animal or possibly through scratches, abrasions, open wounds or mucous membranes in contact with saliva or brain tissue from a rabid animal.
4. Rabies is the most deadly virus on the planet, with a 99.9% mortality rate, once symptoms appear.
5. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal you fear may have rabies, immediately wash the wound and seek post exposure treatment.
6. Any mammal can contract the disease, though OPOSSUMS have a resistance to it. CATS are the leading domesticated animal to contract the disease as many pet owners only vaccinate their dogs. Vaccinate your pets!
7. If you see an animal acting strangely, report it to animal control or your local health department. Some things to look for are:
General sickness
Self inflicted injuries
Lots of drool or saliva
An animal that bites at everything
An animal that’s having trouble moving, very wobbly or may even be paralyzed
8. The only way to test an animal for rabies is by testing brain tissue - which means the animal must euthanized.
9. Both pre and post exposure vaccines are available for the rabies virus and are very effective.
10. Here at Newhouse Wildlife Rescue, our rabies vector species are vaccinated before they are released, not only for the animal's safety, but to protect humans, pets, other wildlife it may encounter.
Post Written by Newhouse Wildlife Rescue.
Important message… when you see a raccoon out during the day it’s more than likely a mama who is nursing little ones. She’s seeking food and water and she certainly needs both. It’s safer to leave her young unattended during the day, due to nighttime predators. Please don’t buy into the hysteria and just assume a raccoon out in the daytime is rabid. It’s absolute nonsense in most cases. These animals can’t talk so it’s up to people to care. The symptoms of potential rabies in an animal to are listed in this post.
Remember, some wildlife or homeless cats may walk slowly in high heat and/or simply because they have had no food and water for a long period and are weak, so don’t allow the fear mongering from media and people who jump on the bandwagon of ignorance and non compassion lead you straight to the assumption of an animal having rabies.
