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Pets, Wild Animals in Flood Affected Areas

Residents Must Anticipate, Prepare For Encounters

People affected by the floods should take precautions not only from contaminated water but also with unfamiliar and wild animals as they return to homes to begin the clean-up process. Pets left behind during emergency evacuations and wild animals forced from their natural habitats could pose a risk of injury. Adults and children should not touch, attempt to feed or handle any wild or unfamiliar domestic animals, especially those that appear to be sick or injured. People should also stay away from dead animals.

“Normally docile pets can be disoriented or act aggressively,” said Tennessee’s Health Commissioner Susan R. Cooper, MSN, RN. “To protect family members, friends and neighbors as well as your animals, leash your pets or keep them in a secure area to minimize contact with wild and other animals that might be loose.”

Pets should be kept under direct supervision so they do not come into contact with wild animals. If a pet is bitten by a wild animal, seek veterinary assistance immediately.

“Wild animals may have migrated to neighborhoods or inhabited homes while in search of dry land. If you or your pet is bitten, seek medical attention immediately and contact your local health department,” said Cooper. “Additionally, to protect pet dogs and cats, make sure they are current on rabies vaccinations as required by Tennessee law and local ordinances.”

Rabies is a virus transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal. Rabies infection occurs primarily in wildlife in Tennessee, but it can be transmitted to any mammal. Bites are the most common means of transmission; contact with saliva from an infected animal can also be a concern. Rabies can be prevented if treated promptly before symptoms develop, but left untreated it is nearly always fatal to humans and other mammals. So far in 2010, TDOH has confirmed rabies in 29 animals in 10 Tennessee counties. The cases include one dog, two raccoons, two bats and 24 skunks.

Humans can be exposed to rabies when attempting to assist, feed or handle wild animals. If a wild or domestic animal seems ill or acts strangely, it should be reported to your local animal control agency.

Bats in particular should not be handled or disturbed. If a bat is found inside, in a swimming pool or brought home by your pets, use precautions and consult your local health department. Additional information on bats is available at www.cdc.gov/rabies/bats/index.html.

“Teens and young children are particularly curious when it comes to animals, but wild animals and unfamiliar pets can pose a health risk,” said L. Rand Carpenter, DVM, public health veterinarian with TDOH. “Parents and other adults should teach young people to observe wildlife from a safe distance and not touch any wild or unfamiliar animals.”

Rats can be a problem during and after a flood. People should secure all food supplies, throw out any food that animals might have touched and seal possible rodent entrances to avoid infestations and the risk of disease.

An increase in mosquitoes or other insects can be expected after flooding. To reduce exposure to insects, wear protective clothing such as long sleeves and pants with legs tucked into boots. Protect exposed skin and clothing with insect repellent, and follow the instructions on the label. Mosquitoes can be avoided by remaining indoors when they are most active; generally dusk and dawn.

For more information or assistance with a potential rabies exposure, call the Montgomery County Health Department at (931) 648-5747 or the Tennessee Department of Health emergency line at (615) 741-7247.

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