These are people who regularly handle animals, and therefore, may be at high risk of exposure to rabies. High risk groups include veterinarians, animal control workers, trappers and raccoon hunters. Outside of the animal's body, the rabies virus doesn't live very long. Sunlight rapidly destroys the virus. Inside of a dead animal's body, the rabies virus may live longer, depending on how far decomposed the animal's body is.
Decomposition takes longer in cold weather.
Restrict your pets to your house or yard and walk them on a leash. Roaming pets are more likely to be exposed to rabies than those supervised by their owners. Do not keep wild animals as pets. Even a baby skunk or raccoon born in captivity can become rabid. Make your house and yard unattractive to wild animals.