Veterinary Diseases
Animal Rabies
Rabies is a deadly disease of animals and people, caused by a virus, which is transmitted when a rabid animal bites a human or another mammal. The disease kills nearly 100% of those it infects. Rabies can be prevented with a vaccine given before and/or after the rabid bite. In Contra Costa County, rabies is sometimes found in local wildlife, especially bats, and has the potential to spread to pets, farm animals, and people that have wild-animal contact.
Rabies Prevention Tips:
- Vaccinate your dogs and cats. Contra Costa Animal Services program offers low-cost rabies vaccination for pets.
- Vaccinate your farm animals that have frequent contact with people.
- Avoid stray animals and wildlife, never handle bats, and teach your children to do the same.
