Rabies
Rabies is a viral disease primarily of animals caused by infection of the brain and spinal cord. People get rabies from the bite of an infected animal. In many areas of the developing world including Asia, Africa, and South America, it is attributable most often to dog bites. In the United States, where rabies in dogs has been largely eliminated, rabies is still widespread in wildlife. Bats, raccoons, skunk, and fox are the major reservoirs and serve as a source of potential infection for other animals and people.
In 1991, a resurgence of rabies in Connecticut followed the spread of rabies in raccoons from southern states and resulted in the first rabid domestic animals in the state since the 1940’s. The raccoon rabies outbreak reached Connecticut in March of that year, entering Fairfield County through New York state. Over the following 4 years, it spread to all eight counties and remains present throughout the state.
Rabies testing done at the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) Laboratory allows the DPH to monitor the occurrence of rabies among wild and domestic animals. Results are also important to guide the medical management of patients exposed to potentially rabid animals.
After an incubation period that is usually 3-8 weeks, symptoms in people progress over the course of several days from a flu-like illness to encephalitis that may be characterized by confusion, agitation, hallucinations, and muscle paralysis. Once clinical signs of rabies appear, the disease is fatal. However, disease can be prevented by thorough wound cleaning and timely medical treatment that includes administration of one dose of immune globulin (antibodies) and 4 doses of vaccine over 2 weeks.
Vaccination of domestic animals is an important component of rabies prevention programs. Connecticut state law requires vaccination of cats and dogs. In addition, dogs must also be licensed.
When making decisions related to rabies post exposure prophylaxis, health care providers are encouraged to refer to “Use of a Reduced (4-Dose) Vaccine Schedule for Postexposure Prophylaxis to Prevent Human Rabies: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) - 2010”.
Important Contact Information:
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The Department of Public Health, Epidemiology and Emerging Infections Program for questions regarding human exposures at 860-509-7994.
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The Department of Agriculture, Animal Control Division for questions regarding domestic animals at 860-713-2506.
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The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, Wildlife Division for questions regarding wildlife at 860-424-3011.
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The local police department when prompt assistance is needed.
Rabies & Risky Behavior (YouTube)
Request for Rabies Examination Form
This form was revised on May 19, 2016 to incorporate changes to animal testing at the State Public Health Laboratory. The new requirements, as outlined in the April issue of the Connecticut Epidemiologist newsletter, will begin July 1, 2016.
This form should only be completed by an appropriate submitter. The submitter must be the authorized person who will be notified of the results and will provide consultation regarding the need for testing the animal (i.e., Animal Control Officer, Environmental Conservation Police Officer, health care provider, local Health Director, Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator, police officer, or veterinarian). This form should not be used by the general public. In the event of a potential rabies exposure, please contact your local health department or local animal control officer.
Modifications to rabies testing requirements and testing hours - 4/25/2016 (The new requirements began July 1, 2016.)
Changes to the weekend and holiday animal rabies testing schedule. - 8/3/2015
Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control, 2016
Statistics
Additional Resources
Connecticut Department of Agriculture
Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Rabies
Vital Signs - Rabies: A Forgotten Killer - Greatest Risk from Wildlife, Especially Bats
To contact the Epidemiology and Emerging Infections Program, please call 860-509-7994.