Zoonotic Diseases
Rabies and other zoonotic diseases spread from animals to humans through bites or contact.
What is Rabies?
Rabies is a deadly virus that affects the brain and spinal cord of mammals, including humans. It spreads through the saliva of infected animals, usually from bites, but non-bite exposures are also possible (e.g., scratches, open wounds, or if saliva of an infected animal gets directly into the eyes, nose, mouth). Bats are the most common carrier in Idaho however any mammal can get rabies including domestic and wild animals such as dogs, cats, ferrets, raccoons, skunks, and foxes.
Handling Rabies Exposure
If Someone may Have Been Exposed
- Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water
- Contact a healthcare provider or local health department immediately
- If possible, safely contain the animal for testing or observation. Do not try to pick the animal up.
If a Pet is Bitten, Scratched, or Exposed to a Wild Animal
- Take your pet to your veterinarian for wound care and a booster rabies vaccine as soon as possible. Find your pet’s rabies vaccination record since this will be needed to provide proof of prior vaccination.
- Veterinarians who wish to discuss a potential rabies exposure or request approval for rabies testing of a specimen, please contact the communicable disease team at 208-327-8625.
Protect Yourself & Community
- Keep pets vaccinated and supervised
- Avoid contact with wild animals (for people and pets)
- Report animals acting strangely to animal control
If you think you’ve been exposed to rabies, call CDH Communicable Disease Control: 208-327-8625.