Amarillo Public Health Department Tips TO Prevent The Spread Of Rabies

The Amarillo Public Health Department is offering tips to help prevent the spread of rabies in the area.

So far in 2019 9 animals have tested positive for rabies in Potter and Randall, 6 cases being in skunks and 1case in a cow.

The most effective ways to prevent human cases are:

• Keep vaccinations up-to-date for all pets, horses, and valuable livestock.
• Avoid contact with strays and wild animals and report animal bites promptly.
• Do not touch, feed or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans or litter.
• Teach children never to handle unfamiliar animals (wild or domestic) even if the animals appear friendly.
• Call a local Animal Control or Management and Welfare office about removing stray animals in your neighborhood.
• Seek immediate veterinary assistance for your pet if the pet is bitten by a wild animal.
• Never adopt wild animals, bring them into your home or try to nurse sick wild animals to health.
• Animals do not have to be aggressive or behave strangely to have rabies. Changes in any animal’s normal behavior can be early signs of rabies.
• Maintain homes and other buildings so bats cannot get inside.
• Bats that are on the ground, unable to fly or are active during the day are more likely to be rabid. Such bats are often easily approached but should never be handled.

If you get bit by an animal with rabies thoroughly wash the wound with soap and water and see a medical professional.

Also, report the bite to Animal Management and Welfare or animal control officials.