Rabies

All dogs and cats living in Sedgwick County are required to have an annual or 3-year rabies vaccination from a veterinarian.

Rabies is a serious but preventable disease that affects the nervous system. It spreads through saliva, usually when an infected animal bites another animal or a person. Learn more about rabies prevention and treatment.

In Kansas and the Midwest, rabies is most often found in wild animals such as skunks, bats, raccoons, foxes, and coyotes

Domestic pets and livestock can also become infected if they are bitten or exposed to rabid wildlife.

While the risk of rabies exposure is real, it is preventable in both human and domestic animals.

The most effective ways to prevent rabies are:

• Vaccinating pets and livestock
• Avoiding contact with wild animals
• Seeking medical care quickly after any possible exposure

• Vaccinate all pets and livestock for rabies, including dogs, cats, ferrets, horses, and livestock.
• Wash bites or scratches immediately with soap and water. Seek medical care and report the incident to Animal Control.
• Contact your veterinarian right away if your pet is bitten or exposed to another animal.
• Do not touch, feed, or handle wild animals.
• Do not keep wild animals as pets or bring them into your home.
• Contact Animal Control or an animal rescue agency if a wild animal appears sick or injured. Do not approach it.
• Teach children never to handle unfamiliar animals—wild or domestic​.
• Seek medical care immediately if you wake up and find a bat in your home, even if you do not see a bite or scratch.

If you have additional questions, please contact your veterinarian, local or state health department, or the K-State Rabies Laboratory at 785-532-4483.