All mammals can become infected with the rabies virus and all mammals should be considered potentially rabid when they bite, scratch or otherwise expose people or pets to their saliva.
About rabies
Rabies is a virtually 100 percent fatal brain disease caused by the rabies virus. All mammals can get infected with the rabies virus but some are at higher risk. The rabies virus is passed from the saliva of a rabid animal through a bite or scratch, or contact with an open wound, eyes, nose, or mouth. Prompt medical care after exposure to the rabies virus prevents rabies.
In Idaho, the rabies virus circulates among bats. Only a small percentage of bats in the wild have rabies (about 1 in 100). Rarely, bats pass the virus to other mammals. In Idaho, bat rabies viruses have been found in rabid cats, skunks, and a horse, but any mammal could be affected, including your pets and livestock.
In some states and U.S. territories, rabies viruses circulate in foxes, skunks, raccoons, or mongoose, as well as bats.
Protect pets against rabies
Rabies vaccine is available for dogs, cats, and ferrets. Bats can get inside homes so even indoor animals can be exposed to rabies. See the American Veterinary Medical Association rabies website for more ways to protect your pets.
If your pet contacts a bat or is bitten by another animal, contact your local public health district and seek veterinary care. Prompt veterinary care after exposure to the rabies virus can prevent rabies.
Protect yourself against rabies
If you work with animals or travel to another country where rabies is commonly found in dogs, ask your healthcare provider about getting vaccinated against rabies.
If a bat bites you, lands on you, or is in the room when someone wakes up, contact your local public health district immediately. If you can, safely capture the bat. See “I Found a Bat in my Home! What Do I Do?” The local public health district can arrange for testing of the bat for rabies at the Idaho Bureau of Laboratories at no cost. They and your healthcare provider can give you recommendations on medical care to prevent rabies.
If any animal bites you, immediately wash the bite thoroughly with soap and water. Contact your healthcare provider and local public health district. They will help figure out how likely you were exposed to rabies and if you need further medical care. The local public health district can decide if the animal should be tested for rabies and help coordinate testing.
Animal Rabies and Potential Exposure Management
