ADPH: 3 animals test positive for rabies in Montgomery neighborhood

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MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA) - The Alabama Department of Public Health has confirmed that three animals have tested positive for rabies in the Dalraida neighborhood in Montgomery.

Public health officials say that over the past few days, a raccoon, a bat and a flying squirrel each tested positive for rabies.

Now, ADPH officials, as well as City of Montgomery officials, are issuing a reminder about the public health risk associated with rabies.

According to the ADPH, rabies in raccoons is considered a common occurrence, but only one percent of all bats are infected with rabies and flying squirrels are rarely infected.

Rabies is a virus that infects the central nervous system of all mammals and is always fatal. The virus usually causes neurological signs including behavioral changes, in-coordination, excessive salivation and sometimes can cause aggression.

The virus is transmitted between animals, and potentially to humans, from saliva containing the virus. In general, rabies exposure requires direct contact with infected saliva, usually through a bite or a scratch, but other less common contact exposures with mucous membranes, such as eyes, nose or mouth, should be considered as potential exposures.

According to the ADPH, rabies infection in people is 100 percent preventable if appropriate medical treatment is received in a timely manner following exposure.

"Rabies prevention is multi-faceted; it involves people taking precautions with wildlife, making sure their pets are kept current on rabies vaccinations, and always reporting an animal bite or other exposure to their medical provider or the health department," said Dr. Dee W. Jones, the State Public Health veterinarian.

Montgomery mayor Todd Strange says the city is in close contact with the ADPH and the Montgomery Humane Society, and that the city's first responders have been alerted to the positive test results.

"We understand from Public Health that this is not a particularly unusual event, and we appreciate this opportunity to increase awareness about the risk of rabies and the importance of prevention," said Strange.

Alabama law requires that all dogs, cats and ferrets to be currently vaccinated against rabies.

According to Dr. Jones, rabies in wildlife species is certainly a concern, but the potential spread to the pet population is most concerning because of the close contact between pets and humans.

The ADPH recommends the following for rabies prevention:

Avoid animals, domesticated or wild, that are injured or acting in a strange or unusual manner

Keep pets current on their rabies vaccinations

Report strange acting animals to animal control

Advise children to tell an adult if they are bitten or scratched by an animal

Seek medical attention for any potential exposure to a rabid animal, including bats

Wash any bite wound with mild soap thoroughly under running water

For more information about rabies and the prevention of the virus, contact the Montgomery County Health Department at (334) 293-6452 or the Alabama Department of Public Health at 1-800-338-8372 or (334) 206-5971.