Hundreds of cases of animal rabies have been reported throughout Vermont since 1992 and the outbreak will continue to be a problem for many years. 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.
Report unknown or strangely behaving animals to your town's animal control officer. If the animal is wild, contact your game warden. Do not make your yard inviting to wild animals. Feed your pets inside the house. Fasten trash can lids tightly.