Cats, dogs and livestock can also get rabies if they do not have special shots to protect them. Rabid animals show a change in their normal behavior. They may show unusual aggression, extreme depression or bizarre behavior. A rabid animal dies within a few days to a few weeks after showing these signs. Animals may be contagious before they show any of these signs.
Rabies continues to spread in Vermont.
People are usually exposed to the rabies virus when an infected animal bites them. People can also be exposed to rabies if the animal's saliva gets into a cut or open wound or into a person's eyes, nose or mouth. Do not try to touch or pick up wild animals or strays, even baby animals. Do not try to feed them or make them into pets. Vaccines start protecting dogs and cats about a month after they get the shot.