Rabies is an infectious viral disease the affects the nervous system of humans and other mammals. People get rabies from the bite of an animal with rabies (a rabid animal). Any wild mammal, like a raccoon, skunk, coyote, or bat can have rabies and transmit it to people. It is also possible, but quite rare, that people may get rabies if infectious material from a rabid animal, such as saliva, gets directly into their eyes, nose, mouth, or a wound.

Because rabies is a fatal disease, the goal of Saratoga County Department of Health is to prevent human exposure to rabies by education and to prevent the disease by anti-rabies treatment if exposure occurs.

The first sign of rabies is usually a change in an animal’s behavior. It may become unusually aggressive or tame. The animal may lose its fear of people and natural enemies. A wild animal may appear affectionate and friendly. It may become excited or irritable and attack anything in its path. Staggering, convulsions, choking, frothing at the mouth, and paralysis are also sometimes seen.
• Wash all wounds thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical attention immediately.

• Report all animal bites to Saratoga County Department of Health, even if they seem minor.

• Try to keep track of the animal that exposed you and report this information so that the animal can be captured safely, if possible.

• Healthy dogs, cats, ferrets and livestock that have bitten or otherwise caused a potential human exposure to rabies will be confined under the direction of Saratoga County Department of Health and observed for ten days following the exposure. If the animal remains healthy during this period, the animal did not transmit rabies at the time of the bite.

• If an animal cannot be observed or tested for rabies, treatment may be necessary for the people exposed. Saratoga County Department of Health will assist you and your physician to determine whether treatment is necessary.

The best way to keep pets safe from rabies is to vaccinate them and keep their shots up to date. If your pet has been injured by a rabid animal, contact your veterinarian to get medical care. Even though your pet has been vaccinated, a booster dose of rabies vaccine may be needed within five days of the incident. Contact Saratoga County Department of Health to determine what additional follow-up may be needed.
Saratoga County offers free rabies vaccines for dogs, cats, and ferrets several times a year. For dates, times, and locations, visit the Saratoga County Animal Shelter website: https://saratogacountyanimalshelter.com/rabies-clinics/.

For questions or concerns related to animal bites or potential rabies exposures in Saratoga County, please call 518-584-7460 or email us at en***********@sa**************.gov.

We are open Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm, with staff available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for emergencies.

 

Contact info for other local public health departments:
County Phone Fax
Albany 518-447-4625 518-447-4501
Fulton 518-736-5720 518-762-1381
Rensselaer 518-270-2643 518-270-2973
Schenectady 518-386-2818 518-386-2822
Warren 518-761-6415 518-761-6422
Washington 518-746-2400 518-746-2461
To report a violation or unsafe conditions please call the Saratoga County Department of Health at (518) 584-7460 or email us at en***********@sa**************.gov.

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