The following was developed by the Connecticut Rabies Advisory Committee.

HOW TO CONTROL RABIES IN A PUBLIC SETTING - .pdf, 2pgs

RABIES REQUIREMENTS FOR CT FAIRS - .pdf, 3pgs

Rabies in the News:

Six week-old Maryland calf at education center tests positive for rabies - January 17, 2010   wtop.com

WHO TO CALL REGARDING RABIES QUESTIONS

Anyone having questions concerning dogs, cats and other domestic animals that may have been exposed to a suspected rabid animal should contact their local Animal Control Officer or the State Animal Control Division at (860) 713-2506.

Anyone having questions concerning possible human exposure to rabies should contact their local Health Department or the state Department of Public Health at (860) 509-7994.

Anyone having questions concerning wildlife, including unusual behavior, can contact the Department of Environmental Protection, Wildlife Division at (860) 424-3011 or for emergencies (860) 424-3333.

SYMPTOMS OF RABIES IN ANIMALS

Symptoms of rabies include fever, loss of appetite, excessive irritability, unusual vocalizations, change of behavior, restlessness, jumping at noises, trouble walking, excess salivation, tremors, convulsions, paralysis, stupor or unprovoked aggression.

Rabies usually begins subtly, with pet owners first noticing that their pet goes off its food and just "doesn't seem right". The animal may become restless and irritable, have a "strange look in its eyes" and make funny sounding cries or barks. As illness progresses, nervous system signs become more obvious with tremors appearing, difficulty walking and swallowing, and even convulsions and paralysis developing. Affected animals may or may not try to bite or show other signs of aggression.

If your pet begins to show any of these symptoms, notify your local Animal Control Officer and seek the care and advice of a veterinarian. Separate your animal from other animals and humans immediately.

During the month of April 1991 the first two cases of rabid raccoon were confirmed in the town of Ridgefield. Since that time every city and town in Connecticut has had confirmed cases of rabies. Connecticut has a total of 6,069 confirmed cases of rabies as of June 22, 2008.

The following is a breakdown of the type and number of confirmed rabid animals: