Rabies Alert

Please be advised that a RACCOON found about 1 mile north of Interstate 90 in the backyard of a home on Davison Road in Harborcreek Township, Erie County has tested positive for rabies. The rabid raccoon jumped onto the back of a dog while it was walking near the family’s pond with a child. The raccoon then wandered into the woods and was found 5-6 hours later by the homeowner lying on the ground convulsing. The dog’s rabies vaccination was current and the dog will be quarantined for 90 days. There was no known human exposure to this raccoon.

Not all rabid animals engage in bizarre aggressive behaviors like this, but when these kinds of attacks do occur, rabies should always be suspected.

Pennsylvania law requires that all dogs and non-feral cats three months of age and older be rabies vaccinated and that booster vaccinations are administered periodically to maintain lifelong immunity. Rabies vaccine is also available for other species.

As it is not possible to determine if this raccoon may have exposed other wild or domestic animals prior to its arrival at this location, please consult your private veterinary practitioner to determine your animal's needs. This is of great importance, as you need to assure that your pet is not a potential source of rabies for your family and neighbors.

RABIES ALERT

RABID BAT IN ERIE COUNTY

August 18, 2010

Please be advised that a BAT at a home on West 32^nd Street in Erie, Erie County between Pittsburgh Avenue and Zuck Road has tested positive for rabies. The bat was found vocalizing and crawling very slowly across the backyard. There was no known human or animal exposure.

When bats are found in sleeping quarters of a home, the Pennsylvania Department of Health recommends that they be tested for rabies. Any mammal that is exhibiting symptoms of rabies can be tested for rabies by the Department of Agriculture or the Department of Health.

When bats are found in sleeping quarters of a home, the Pennsylvania Department of Health recommends that they be tested for rabies. A bite wound from a bat can be less than 1/4 inch across and difficult to find. In these situations try to safely capture the bat, submit the bat for rabies testing, and seek medical advice. Any mammal that is exhibiting signs of rabies can be tested for rabies by the Department of Agriculture or the Department of Health.

Pennsylvania law requires that all dogs and non-feral cats three months of age and older are rabies vaccinated and that booster vaccinations are administered periodically to maintain lifelong immunity. Rabies vaccine is also available for other species.

As it is not possible to determine if this bat may have exposed other wild or domestic animals, please consult your private veterinary practitioner to determine your animal's needs. This is of great importance, as you need to assure that your pet is not a potential source of rabies for your family and neighbors.

Sarah E. Yurisic, DAHI

Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture

Bureau of Animal Health and Diagnostic Services

Region 1 Office

13410 Dunham Road

Meadville, PA 16335

814-332-6890