Return to menu. If a suspected rabid animal bites a person, the animal should be quarantined for 10 days. If the animal develops signs of rabies or dies, tissues must be sent to a laboratory for examination. Since rabies is such a threat to people and other animals, affected animals are not treated. Euthanasia is mandatory.
Vaccination is the best means of rabies control.
All pets should be vaccinated. Consult your veterinarian regarding the proper vaccination procedure for your pet. Wild animals should not be kept as pets, nor vaccinated for rabies. There is currently no approved rabies vaccine available for wild animals, although an oral vaccine for raccoons will soon be available. Nothing can replace a complete history and physical examination performed by your veterinarian.