DPH Cautions Public to Watch for Rabid Animals During Active Season

DOVER, DEL. (June 26, 2024) – With the weather warming up, the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) urges the public to take precautions to avoid exposure to rabies and to be on the lookout for rabid animals during this active season.
Rabies is endemic in Delaware, meaning it occurs regularly within the state’s wildlife populations. Since 2019, 54 animals have tested positive for rabies in Delaware. That number represents only a fraction of rabies in Delaware since, in most cases, DPH only tests animals that have potentially exposed humans to rabies.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), some of the visible signs of a rabid animal could include the animal being aggressive (e.g., attacking for no reason) or confused and/or drunk-like (e.g., walking in a circle).
While any warm-blooded mammal is susceptible to rabies, the most common hosts of rabies in Delaware are community (stray or feral) cats, bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes. Other local cases have also been seen in smaller numbers in cattle, equine, deer, groundhogs, and coyotes.
Rabies is a fatal, yet preventable viral disease, and severe outcomes in humans can be avoided when treatment is administered soon after exposure before the disease develops. People usually get rabies from the bite of a rabid animal. It is also possible, but rare, for people to get rabies from non-bite exposures, including scratches, abrasions, or open wounds that are exposed to saliva or other potentially infectious material from a rabid animal.
It is important to seek immediate medical attention and early treatment to prevent severe health outcomes. If you have been potentially exposed to an animal that seems likely to be infected with rabies, wash all wounds thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical attention immediately, even if the wound seems minor. All medical providers are required to report potential human exposure to the DPH Rabies Hotline by calling 302-744-4990 or by completing the human exposure report found at https://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/dpc/rabies.html.
If You Encounter a Wild Animal Behaving Aggressively:
· If you encounter a wild animal behaving aggressively, it is recommended that you contact the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC)’s Wildlife Section at 302-739-9912. Calls after hours and on weekends can be made to the 24-hour dispatch number 800-523-3336. Staff will determine whether referring callers to a private nuisance wildlife control operator is more appropriate. A listing of nuisance wildlife control operators can be found at wildlifehelp.org.
· If you encounter an aggressive stray domestic animal, such as a cat or dog, contact DPH’s Office of Animal Welfare (OAW) at 302-255-4646.
If You Encounter a Sick or Injured Wild Animal:
· To report a sick or hurt wild animal, Delaware residents are asked to contact the DNREC’s Wildlife Section at 302-739-9912 or 800-523-3336 after hours and on weekends. Staff will determine whether referring callers to a permitted volunteer wildlife rehabilitator is more appropriate.
· If you encounter a sick stray domestic animal, such as a cat or dog, contact OAW at 302-255-4646.
How to Protect Yourself and Your Family from Rabies:
· Because animals can carry rabies without appearing sick, it is important to watch and enjoy wild and unknown animals from a distance.
· Wear thick gloves if you are handling a community cat whose vaccination history is unknown.
· Avoid hand-feeding wildlife.
· Teach children not to touch any unfamiliar animal and seek adult assistance immediately if a child is bitten or scratched by any animal.
· If a wild animal is on your property, keep your distance and let it wander away. Bring children and pets indoors and alert neighbors who might be outside. You may contact a nuisance wildlife control expert who will remove the animal for a fee. These professionals can be reached at wildlifehelp.org.
· Feed pets indoors.
· Tightly cap or put away garbage cans where animals cannot gain access to them.
· “Batproofing” should be done during the fall and winter months. Nuisance wildlife control experts can provide these services for a fee.
· Leave orphaned animals alone. Often, the parents are close by and will return for their young.
· Because pets can get rabies from wildlife and could then spread it to humans, preventing rabies in pets is also an important step in protecting yourself and others.
How to Protect Your Pets from Rabies:
· Be sure your pet dogs, cats, and ferrets are properly immunized against rabies.
· Keep family pets indoors at night. Never leave a pet outside unattended or let them roam free.
· Consider vaccinating livestock and horses as well. Consult with your private veterinarian if you have questions about whether your animal(s) should be vaccinated against rabies.
·  If another animal injures your pet or presents with an unknown wound after being outdoors, contact your veterinarian for medical care. Your pet may need to be quarantined for a short time to ensure they were not exposed to a rabid animal.
·  For any questions regarding an animal quarantine, contact the Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA) at 302-698-4630.
For more information on the DPH Rabies Program, visit www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/dpc/rabies.html or call 1-888-285-5156 (24/7) or 302-744-4995 (business hours).
For more information on rabies, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at www.cdc.gov/rabies/.

Groundhog Tests Positive for Rabies; Delaware’s First Rabies Case in 2023

The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is announcing its first reported rabies case of 2023. DPH received a report last week of a human and their pet dog who had been exposed to a potentially rabid groundhog in a residential neighborhood located near Bringhurst Woods Park on Washington St., off Carr Road. The groundhog was tested for rabies and the results came back positive on Friday, June 16. Both the individual and their pet dog have been advised to receive prophylaxis for rabies following the exposure.  

Since Jan. 1, 2023, DPH has performed rabies tests on 75 animals. In 2022, DPH performed rabies tests on 198 animals, 11 of which were confirmed to be rabid, including two raccoons, three foxes, four cats, one bat and one skunk. That number represents only a fraction of rabies in Delaware because in most cases, DPH only tests animals that have potentially exposed humans to rabies.  

Anyone who thinks they might have been bitten, scratched by, or encountered a groundhog or feral cat in this area should immediately contact their health care provider or call the DPH Rabies Program at 302-744-4995. Anyone in the area who thinks a groundhog may have bitten their pet should call their private veterinarian to have their pet examined and treated, and the exposure reported to the Delaware Department of Agriculture.   

Rabies is a preventable disease. DPH recommends that individuals take the following steps to prevent rabies exposure:  

  • Because animals can carry rabies without appearing sick, it is important to watch and enjoy wild and unknown animals from a distance.    

  • Wear thick gloves if you are handling a community cat whose vaccination history is unknown.   

  • Avoid hand-feeding wildlife.   

  • Teach children not to touch any unfamiliar animal and seek adult assistance immediately if a child is bitten or scratched by any animal.   

  • If a wild animal is on your property, keep your distance and let it wander away. Bring children and pets indoors and alert neighbors who might be outside. You may contact a nuisance wildlife control expert who will remove the animal for a fee. These professionals can be reached at wildlifehelp.org.   

  • Feed pets indoors.   

  • Tightly cap or put away garbage cans where animals cannot gain access to them.   

  • Leave orphaned animals alone. Often, the parents are close by and will return for their young.   

  • Because pets can get rabies from wildlife and could then spread it to humans, preventing rabies in pets is also an important step in protecting yourself and others.   

NOTE: the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) does not rehabilitate wildlife. The state issues permits to trained volunteers with experience rehabilitating wildlife and returning native animals to the wild. If you need a wildlife rehabilitator, contact the Delaware Council of Wildlife Rehabilitators and Educators.   

 

How to protect your pets from rabies:   

  • Be sure your pet dogs, cats and ferrets are properly immunized against rabies. Remember, it’s the law. Offenders may be subject to fines.   

    • For more information about the state’s low-cost spay-neuter program for low-income pet owners, visit fixedandfab.com. For those that qualify, a rabies vaccination is also provided at no cost. Residents may also check with their local animal shelters and humane organizations for additional low-cost spay/neuter and vaccination clinics they offer the community.    

  • The best thing you can do for the community cats in your neighborhood is to vaccinate them, have them spayed or neutered and return them to where you found them.   

  • Keep family pets indoors at night. Never leave a pet outside unattended or let them roam free.   

  • Consider vaccinating livestock and horses as well. Consult with your private veterinarian if you have questions about whether your animal(s) should be vaccinated against rabies.    

  • If another animal injures your pet or presents with an unknown wound after being outdoors, contact your veterinarian for medical care. Your pet may need to be quarantined for a short time to ensure they were not exposed to a rabid animal.   

    • For any questions regarding an animal quarantine, contact the Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA) at 302-698-4630.   

 

Additional Resources:  

If you have been potentially exposed to an animal infected with rabies:   

  • Wash all wounds thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical attention immediately, even if the wound seems minor.   

  • All medical providers are required to report potential human exposure to the DPH Rabies Hotline by calling 302-744-4990 or by completing the human exposure report found at https://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/dpc/rabies.html.   

If You Encounter an Animal Behaving Aggressively:   

  • If you encounter a wild animal behaving aggressively, it is recommended that you contact the DNREC Wildlife Section at 302-739-9912. Calls after hours and on weekends can be made to the 24-hour dispatch number 800-523-3336. Staff will determine whether referring callers to a private nuisance wildlife control operator is more appropriate. A listing of nuisance wildlife control operators can be found at wildlifehelp.org.    

  • If you encounter an aggressive stray domestic animal, such as a cat or dog, contact the Office of Animal Welfare (OAW) at 302-255-4646.   

If You Encounter a Sick or Injured Animal:   

  • To report a sick or hurt wild animal, Delaware residents are asked to contact the DNREC’s Wildlife Section at 302-739-9912 or 800-523-3336 after hours and on weekends. Staff will determine whether referring callers to a permitted volunteer wildlife rehabilitator is more appropriate.   

  • If you encounter a sick stray domestic animal, such as a cat or dog, contact OAW at 302-255-4646.   

  

For more information on the DPH rabies program, visit www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/dpc/rabies.html or call 1-888-285-5156 (24/7) or 302-744-4995 (business hours).  

For more information on rabies, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at  www.cdc.gov/rabies/.    

Rabies Exposure Risk Increases As Community Cats & Wildlife Species Known to Transmit Virus Become More Active Outdoors

During spring and summer, rabies, which is occasionally found in community cats and wildlife, is more likely to be transmitted to humans and pets due to our increase in outdoor activities. To avoid exposure to rabies, the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) advises residents to take the proper precautions. 

Rabies is endemic in Delaware, meaning it occurs regularly within the state’s wildlife populations. Since 2018, 64 animals have tested positive for rabies in Delaware. That number represents only a fraction of rabies in Delaware since, in most cases, DPH only tests animals that have potentially exposed humans to rabies. The most common hosts of rabies in Delaware are community cats, bats, raccoons, skunks and foxes.  

In 2018, Delaware detected its first fatal human rabies case in 77 years. It is unknown how the individual, a Kent County resident, became infected, although community cats were reported in the area. Community cats are defined as free-roaming, stray or feral cats. 

Rabies is a nearly 100% fatal, yet preventable viral disease. People usually get rabies from the bite of a rabid animal. It is also possible, but rare, for people to get rabies from non-bite exposures, including scratches, abrasions or open wounds that are exposed to saliva or other potentially infectious material from a rabid animal. It is essential to take the following precautions to prevent rabies exposure and ensure a healthy and enjoyable summer. 

How to Protect Yourself and Your Family from Rabies: 

  • Because animals can carry rabies without appearing sick, it is important to watch and enjoy wild and unknown animals from a distance.  
  • Wear thick gloves if you are handling a community cat whose vaccination history is unknown. 
  • Avoid hand-feeding wildlife. 
  • Teach children not to touch any unfamiliar animal and seek adult assistance immediately if a child is bitten or scratched by any animal. 
  • If a wild animal is on your property, keep your distance and let it wander away. Bring children and pets indoors and alert neighbors who might be outside. You may contact a nuisance wildlife control expert who will remove the animal for a fee. These professionals can be reached at wildlifehelp.org. 
  • Feed pets indoors. 
  • Tightly cap or put away garbage cans where animals cannot gain access to them. 
  • “Batproofing” should be done during the fall and winter months. Nuisance wildlife control experts can provide these services for a fee. 
  • Leave orphaned animals alone. Often, the parents are close by and will return for their young.
  • Because pets can get rabies from wildlife and could then spread it to humans, preventing rabies in pets is also an important step in protecting yourself and others. 

NOTE: the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) does not rehabilitate wildlife. The state issues permits to trained volunteers with experience rehabilitating wildlife and returning native animals to the wild. If you need a wildlife rehabilitator, contact the Delaware Council of Wildlife Rehabilitators and Educators. 

 How to protect your pets from rabies: 

  • Be sure your pet dogs, cats and ferrets are properly immunized against rabies. Remember, it’s the law. 
    • For more information about the state’s low-cost spay-neuter program for low-income pet owners, visit fixedandfab.com. For those that qualify, a rabies vaccination is also provided at no cost. Residents may also check with their local animal shelters and humane organizations for additional low-cost spay/neuter and vaccination clinics they offer the community.  
  • The best thing you can do for the community cats in your neighborhood is to vaccinate them, have them spayed or neutered and return them to where you found them. 
  • Keep family pets indoors at night. Never leave a pet outside unattended or let them roam free. 
  • Consider vaccinating livestock and horses as well. Consult with your private veterinarian if you have questions about whether your animal(s) should be vaccinated against rabies.  
  • If another animal injures your pet or presents with an unknown wound after being outdoors, contact your veterinarian for medical care. Your pet may need to be quarantined for a short time to ensure they were not exposed to a rabid animal. 
    • For any questions regarding an animal quarantine, contact the Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA) at 302-698-4630. 

If you have been potentially exposed to an animal infected with rabies: 

  • Wash all wounds thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical attention immediately, even if the wound seems minor. 
  • All medical providers are required to report potential human exposure to the DPH Rabies Hotline by calling 302-744-4990 or by completing the human exposure report found at https://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/dpc/rabies.html. 
  • If you encounter a wild animal behaving aggressively, it is recommended that you contact the DNREC Wildlife Section at 302-739-9912. Calls after hours and on weekends can be made to the 24-hour dispatch number 800-523-3336. Staff will determine whether referring callers to a private nuisance wildlife control operator is more appropriate. A listing of nuisance wildlife control operators can be found at wildlifehelp.org.  
  • If you encounter an aggressive stray domestic animal, such as a cat or dog, contact the Office of Animal Welfare (OAW) at 302-255-4646. 
  • To report a sick or hurt wild animal, Delaware residents are asked to contact the DNREC’s Wildlife Section at 302-739-9912 or 800-523-3336 after hours and on weekends. Staff will determine whether referring callers to a permitted volunteer wildlife rehabilitator is more appropriate. 
  • If you encounter a sick stray domestic animal, such as a cat or dog, contact OAW at 302-255-4646. 

For more information on the DPH rabies program, visit www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/dpc/rabies.html or call 1-888-285-5156 (24/7) or 302-744-4995 (business hours).

For more information on rabies, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at www.cdc.gov/rabies/. 

Stray Cat in Smyrna Tests Positive for Rabies

DOVER (June 29, 2022) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is advising Kent County residents who live or spend time near the area of Smyrna Landing Road in Smyrna that a positive case of rabies in a stray cat has been reported. Two individuals were potentially exposed to the stray cat in the residential neighborhood. The cat was tested for rabies, which returned positive results on Tuesday, June 28, 2022. The exposed individuals have been contacted and advised to begin post-exposure prophylaxis treatment (PEP).

Since Jan. 1, 2022, DPH has performed rabies tests on 118 animals, eight of which were confirmed to be rabid, which includes two raccoons, three foxes and three cats including this positive case. DPH only announces those rabies cases for which it is possible the animal had unknown contacts with additional humans or pets.In 2021, DPH performed rabies tests on 188 animals, nineteen of which were confirmed to be rabid, which includes one dog, one deer, one fox, one cow, two skunks, three cats, four raccoons and six bats.

Anyone who thinks they might have been bitten, scratched or have encountered a cat in this area should immediately contact their health care provider or call the DPH Rabies Program at 302-744-4995. An epidemiologist is available 24/7. Anyone in the area who thinks a cat may have bitten their pet should call their private veterinarian to have their pet examined and treated, and the exposure reported to the Delaware Department of Agriculture.

Rabies is a preventable disease. DPH recommends that individuals take the following steps to prevent rabies exposure:

  • All dogs, cats and ferrets 6 months of age and older are required by Delaware law to be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian.
  • Pet owners can reduce the possibility of pets being exposed to rabies by keeping them indoors and not letting them roam free. It is especially important for pet owners who do allow their cats to roam outdoors to vaccinate their pets.
  • Do not touch or otherwise handle wild or unfamiliar animals, including cats and dogs, even if they appear friendly.
  • Do not keep your pet’s food or water outdoors; bowls can attract wild and stray animals.
  • Do not feed feral animals, including cats, as the risk of rabies in wildlife is significant.
  • Spaying or neutering your pet may reduce the tendency to roam or fight and, thus, reduce the chance they will be exposed to rabies.
  • Keep your garbage securely covered.
  • Consider vaccinating livestock and horses as well. It is recommended to consult with your private veterinarian if you have any questions regarding whether your animal(s) should be vaccinated against rabies. 
If You Encounter an Animal Behaving Aggressively:·    If you encounter a wild animal behaving aggressively, it is recommended you contact the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s (DNREC) Wildlife Section at 302-739-9912 or 302-735-3600. Staff will determine whether it is more appropriate to refer callers to a private nuisance wildlife control operator. A listing of nuisance wildlife control operators can be found at https://wildlifehelp.org/. Calls after hours and on weekends can be made to the 24-hour dispatch number at 800-523-3336.·    Do not throw items at the animal or make loud banging noises, which may startle the animal and cause it to attack. Instead, your initial response – if the animal is behaving in an aggressive manner or appears to be foaming at the mouth – should be to raise your hands above your head to make yourself appear larger to the animal while slowly backing away from it. If the animal starts coming toward you, raise your voice and yell sternly at it, “Get away!” If all that fails, use any means to protect yourself, including throwing an object at the animal or trying to keep it away by using a pole, sturdy stick, or any other long object.

If You Encounter a Sick or Injured Animal:

  • To report a sick or hurt wild animal, Delaware residents are asked to contact the DNREC’s Wildlife Section at 302-739-9912 or 302-735-3600. Staff will determine whether it is more appropriate to refer callers to a permitted volunteer wildlife rehabilitator.
  • If you encounter a sick stray domestic animal, such as a cat or dog, contact the Office of Animal Welfare at 302-255-4646.

For more information on the DPH rabies program, visit www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/dpc/rabies.html or call 1-866-972-9705 or 302-744-4995. For more information on rabies, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov/rabies/.

# # #

Anyone who is deaf, hard of hearing, Deaf-Blind or speech disabled can contact DPH by dialing 711 first using specialized devices (i.e. TTY, TeleBraille, voice devices). The 711 service is free and to learn more about how it works, please visit delawarerelay.com. Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.

Fox In Frankford Tests Positive for Rabies; Residents Advised of Attacks on Stray Cats

DOVER (March 31, 2022) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is advising Sussex County residents, who live or spend time near the areas of Burbage and Jones roads, and Burbage Road and Route 374 in Frankford, of a positive case of rabies in a fox. The fox did not have any known contact with humans, however, there were reports of the fox attacking stray cats. If the attacked cats develop rabies, they will become a public health threat, especially to anyone who feeds them. The fox was tested for rabies and the results came back positive on Thursday, March 31, 2022.  

Since Jan. 1, 2022, the Division of Public Health has performed rabies tests on 53 animals, three of which were confirmed to be rabid, which includes one raccoon and two foxes, including this positive animal. DPH only announces those rabies cases for which it is possible the animal had unknown contacts with additional humans or pets. In 2021, DPH performed rabies tests on 193 animals, 19 of which were confirmed to be rabid, which includes one dog, one deer, one fox, one cow, two skunks, three cats, four raccoons, and six bats. These numbers differ from previous reports after a 2021 rabies data review. 

Anyone who thinks they might have been bitten, scratched by, or encountered a fox or feral cat in this area should immediately contact their health care provider or call the DPH Rabies Program at 302-744-4995. An epidemiologist is available 24/7. Anyone in the area who thinks a fox may have bitten their pet should call their private veterinarian to have their pet examined and treated, and the exposure reported to the Delaware Department of Agriculture. 

Rabies is a preventable disease. DPH recommends that individuals take the following steps to prevent rabies exposure:

  • All dogs, cats, and ferrets 6 months of age and older are required by Delaware law to be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian.
  • Pet owners can reduce the possibility of pets being exposed to rabies by keeping them indoors and not letting them roam free. It is especially important for pet owners who do allow their cats to roam outdoors to vaccinate their pets.
  • Do not touch or otherwise handle wild or unfamiliar animals, including cats and dogs, even if they appear friendly.
  • Do not keep your pet’s food or water outdoors; bowls can attract wild and stray animals.
  • Do not feed feral animals, including cats, as the risk of rabies in wildlife is significant.
  • Spaying or neutering your pet may reduce the tendency to roam or fight and, thus, reduce the chance they will be exposed to rabies.
  • Keep your garbage securely covered.
  • Consider vaccinating livestock and horses as well. It is recommended to consult with your private veterinarian if you have any questions regarding whether your animal(s) should be vaccinated against rabies. 

If You Encounter an Animal Behaving Aggressively:

  • If you encounter a wild animal behaving aggressively, it is recommended you contact the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s (DNREC) Wildlife Section at 302-739-9912 or 302-735-3600. Staff will determine whether it is more appropriate to refer callers to a private nuisance wildlife control operator. A listing of nuisance wildlife control operators can be found at https://wildlifehelp.org/.
  • Do not throw items at the animal or make loud banging noises, which may startle the animal and cause it to attack. Instead, your initial response – if the animal is behaving in an aggressive manner or appears to be foaming at the mouth – should be to raise your hands above your head to make yourself appear larger to the animal while slowly backing away from it. If the animal starts coming toward you, raise your voice and yell sternly at it, “Get away!” If all that fails, use any means to protect yourself including throwing an object at the animal or trying to keep it away by using a long stick, shovel, or fishing pole.
  • If you encounter a stray or feral domestic animal, such as a cat or dog, behaving aggressively, contact the Office of Animal Welfare at 302-255-4646.

If You Encounter a Sick or Injured Animal:

  • To report a sick or hurt wild animal, Delaware residents are asked to contact the DNREC’s Wildlife Section at 302-739-9912 or 302-735-3600. Staff will determine whether it is more appropriate to refer callers to a permitted volunteer wildlife rehabilitator.
  • If you encounter a sick stray domestic animal, such as a cat or dog, contact the Office of Animal Welfare at 302-255-4646.

For more information on the DPH rabies program, visit www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/dpc/rabies.html or call 1-866-972-9705 or 302-744-4995. For more information on rabies, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov/rabies/.

# # #

Anyone who is deaf, hard of hearing, Deaf-Blind or speech disabled can contact DPH by dialing 711 first using specialized devices (i.e. TTY, TeleBraille, voice devices). The 711 service is free and to learn more about how it works, please visit delawarerelay.com. Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.