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Rabies

What is rabies?

Rabies is a deadly but preventable disease caused by a virus. Rabies can spread to people and pets if they are bitten or scratched by an infected animal. 

Rabies primarily affects the central nervous system, leading to severe brain disease and death if medical care is not received before symptoms start. After a rabies exposure, the virus must travel to the brain before it can cause symptoms– the time between exposure and the appearance of symptoms is known as the incubation period. The length of the incubation period can be as short as days, or as long as months.

Dog, cat (in crate) and ferret (behind fence)

Rabies can spread to pets, wildlife and people via bites and scratches.

How Rabies is Spread

Rabies can spread to people and pets if they are bitten or scratched by an infected animal. In the New York region, the animals most likely to have rabies are:

  • Bats
  • Skunks
  • Raccoons
  • Foxes
  • Stray cats or dogs
  • Woodchucks

To learn more about how to prevent rabies, review our guides for how to protect yourself and your family during an encounter with bats and other wildlife.

Keep dogs, cats and ferrets up to date on rabies vaccine; indoor cats need to be vaccinated, too.

Have you been bitten or scratched by a pet or wildlife?

Call the ECDOH immediately at (716) 961-6800; after business hours call (716) 961-7898.  We will investigate the situation and advise you. A list of licensed Wildlife Control Officers is available here, or call the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation at (716) 851-7000.

Know the Signs of Rabies

The rabies virus infects and attacks the brain and central nervous system. If a person or animal does not receive the medical care after a rabies exposure, the virus can cause disease in the brain and death. Once symptoms of rabies appear, the disease is nearly always fatal.

List of animals that tested positive for rabies in Erie County.

See signs of rabies in an animal?

Do not approach the animal! Keep your distance and call your town, village or city animal control officer, or the non-emergency law enforcement number. Call ECDOH immediately if you or your pet come in contact with an animal showing signs of rabies: (716) 961-6800; after business hours call (716) 961-7898.

Signs of Rabies in Animals

  • Unusual aggression
  • Lethargy
  • Loss of fear
  • Staggering or unable to walk properly
  • Drooling
  • Convulsions

Signs of Rabies in People

  • At first, rabies can cause flu-like symptoms: fever, headache, chills, fatigue, sore throat, nausea, loss of appetite, irritability.
  • Itching, tingling or burning at the site of the bite or scratch.
  • More serious symptoms: feeling very anxious, confused, or seeing things that aren’t there (hallucinations).
  • Some people become afraid of water, drool a lot, or act aggressively.

Contact

Division of Environmental Health
ECDOH Building
503 Kensington Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14214 
Map of Campus
Phone: 716-961-6800 (For Emergencies after regular business hours: 716-961-7898)
Fax: 716-961-6880

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