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Do Raccoons Have Rabies?

While all mammals can carry and transmit the rabies virus, raccoons, in addition to foxes, skunks, coyotes, and bats, are known to be primary carriers in the United States. These specific animals are considered rabies vector species and can carry the virus without ever showing any symptoms.

What is Rabies?

The rabies virus attacks the central nervous system, causing disease in the brain, which results in the death of the animal or person. Humans who contract rabies may experience the following symptoms:

Survival is rare once a person begins to show any of these signs of the disease.

How is Rabies Transmitted?

Generally, the rabies virus is transmitted when infected saliva of an animal is passed to an uninfected animal, usually through a bite.

Symptoms of Rabies in Raccoons

Although raccoons are nocturnal, it isn’t uncommon for them to be wandering around in the daytime. However, if you detect any of the following behaviors, it’s best to call for assistance from a professional who has experience handling sick animals.

If a raccoon displays any of these signs, you can be certain they are sick and should take extra precaution to stay away from it.

It is also a good idea to always keep your distance from wild animals even if they look perfectly healthy. While the rabies disease is preventable through vaccination and is rare in humans, the seriousness of contracting the disease means that you should take every precaution to keep your family and pets safe.

If you see raccoons near your home or business frequently, contact Critter Control® of Orlando today. We will discover what’s attracting them, remove the nuisance animals, repair any damages they have caused, and prevent future infestations. For more information or to get a free estimate, call 407-295-7194.

 

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