Prevent Rabies By Staying Away From Wild Animals Behaving Oddly

TUCSON, AZ — If you want to avoid rabies, stay away from wild animals who are acting strangely or laying on the ground, the Pima County Health Department advised in a news release.

So far in March the county has investigated four potential cases of rabies in wildlife, including two bats, a cat and a javelina. All of them tested negative.

However, if an animal is infected with rabies, a human can catch the virus through contact with the animal's saliva from a bite or scratch.

It can take weeks to years after the initial infection for humans to show symptoms of rabies. But once animals and humans begin to show symptoms, the virus is usually fatal.

"If you see a bat, skunk, fox or any other wildlife behaving oddly, on the ground, or injured, do not touch it," Pima County advised in the news release.

Stay away from those animals and immediately call Pima Animal Care Center at 520-724-5900 and press 4.

Anyone who has been bitten, scratched, or is unsure if they were bitten or scratched should talk to a health care provider about potential treatment.

Rabies is preventable if treated promptly, before symptoms begin to show.

"It is not normal for a wild animal to be friendly with people, so stay away from any animal that seems unafraid," the county advised.

If your cat or dog is not updated on their rabies vaccination, the county advises to vaccinate them as soon as possible.