Use Caution with Unfamiliar Wild Animals: Skunk Tests Positive for Rabies After Attacking Feral Cat

Use Caution with Unfamiliar Wild Animals: Skunk Tests Positive for Rabies After Attacking Feral Cat – State of Delaware News

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Use Caution with Unfamiliar Wild Animals: Skunk Tests Positive for Rabies After Attacking Feral Cat
Date Posted: October 15, 2021

DATE Celebrates the Launch of the State’s First Impaired Driving Simulator Program
Date Posted: October 14, 2021

Delaware’s Division of Developmental Disabilities Services Announces Easterseals as New Provider for Self-Directed Care
Date Posted: October 14, 2021

DNREC Announces the 2022 Delaware Wetlands Conference
Date Posted: October 14, 2021

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month
Date Posted: October 13, 2021

Governor Carney Issues Statement on Senate Confirmations
Date Posted: October 13, 2021

2021 Lt. Governor’s Challenge Winners Announced
Date Posted: October 13, 2021

Governor Carney Announces Workforce Support for Hospitals, Long-Term Care, and 24/7 State Facilities
Date Posted: October 13, 2021

Delaware Public Archives Dedicates Equal Suffrage Study Club Historical Marker
Date Posted: October 13, 2021

DHSS Announces Direct Support Professional Recruitment and Retention Bonuses
Date Posted: October 12, 2021

‘William Penn Day’ in New Castle on Oct. 23, 2021
Date Posted: October 12, 2021

Governor Carney Announces Department of Education (DOE) Nomination
Date Posted: October 12, 2021

Brandywine’s Jahsha Tabron named 2022 Delaware Teacher of the Year
Date Posted: October 11, 2021

Grand Jury indicts State Auditor for Abuse of Office
Date Posted: October 11, 2021

Delaware’s Cancer Mortality Rates Continue To Decrease; Public Health Releases Latest Cancer Report
Date Posted: October 11, 2021

Retired Director of GACEC Receives Lifetime Achievement Award
Date Posted: October 10, 2021

Weekly COVID-19 Update – Oct 8, 2021: Cumulative COVID-19 Death Count Nears 2,000
Date Posted: October 8, 2021

DPH Announces Second Human Case of West Nile Virus and First Case Detected in a Horse for 2021
Date Posted: October 8, 2021

Statement from Treasurer Davis on Senate Vote to Increase of Debt Ceiling
Date Posted: October 7, 2021

Governor Carney Formally Extends Public Health Emergency
Date Posted: October 7, 2021

Delaware Announces Community Investment Recovery Fund for Delaware Nonprofits
Date Posted: October 7, 2021

Blackbird Creek Reserve Hosts Fall Festival
Date Posted: October 7, 2021

Governor Carney Announces Funding for New Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill
Date Posted: October 6, 2021

Delaware Public Archives Dedicates Women’s Suffrage Historical Marker
Date Posted: October 6, 2021

Governor Carney Announces Leadership Change at Delaware Department of Education (DOE) 
Date Posted: October 6, 2021

Unemployment Insurance Policy Regarding Employer Vaccine Mandates
Date Posted: October 6, 2021

Join the ‘Race to End COVID’ Event at Dover International Speedway
Date Posted: October 5, 2021

Smokey Bear in Dover for Fire Prevention Week
Date Posted: October 5, 2021

DART First State Receives Grant to Expand Electric Bus Fleet
Date Posted: October 5, 2021

Governor Carney, Lt. Governor Hall-Long Announce $50M American Rescue Plan (ARPA) Investment in Jobs Training
Date Posted: October 5, 2021

DPH Announces The Start of Flu Season: Vaccine Is Best Line of Defense For Delawareans 6 months and older
Date Posted: October 4, 2021

$26.4M American Rescue Plan Investment in Wilmington Housing
Date Posted: October 4, 2021

Secretary of State Jeff Bullock Wishes Delawareans A Happy Italian American Heritage Month
Date Posted: October 4, 2021

Emergency Sirens To Be Tested October 5
Date Posted: October 4, 2021

Weekly COVID-19 Update – Oct. 1, 2021: Positive Cases and Hospitalizations Stabilize
Date Posted: October 4, 2021

National Firefighters Memorial Service
Date Posted: October 3, 2021

Margaret Rose Henry Bridge Project Finalist for National Award
Date Posted: October 1, 2021

Governor Carney Announces Judicial Nominations
Date Posted: October 1, 2021

In Memoriam: Second Lieutenant George M. Johnson
Date Posted: October 1, 2021

Statement from AG Jennings On Conviction of Michael Hastings
Date Posted: September 30, 2021

DNREC Issues Two Authorizations to Diamond State Port Corporation for New Shipping Container Facility
Date Posted: September 30, 2021

Additional Delaware Hunting Seasons Opening in October
Date Posted: September 30, 2021

2022 Delaware Teacher of the Year to be named Oct. 11
Date Posted: September 30, 2021

Renovated Garrisons Lake Boat Ramp Officially Open
Date Posted: September 29, 2021

DPH Oral Health Program, AAP Delaware Chapter Promote Early Literacy, Dental Care Through Book Program
Date Posted: September 29, 2021

Delaware Public Archives Dedicates Women’s Suffrage Parade Marker
Date Posted: September 29, 2021

UD and DEMA Partner to Support Long-Term Recovery
Date Posted: September 29, 2021

October Is Delaware Cyber Security Awareness Month
Date Posted: September 29, 2021

Sept. 28, 2021: COVID-19 Briefing
Date Posted: September 28, 2021

Governor Carney Announces Vaccine or Testing Requirement for Educators
Date Posted: September 28, 2021

DNREC Seeks Entries for Delaware Watersheds Photo Contest
Date Posted: September 28, 2021

The Mezzanine Gallery to Exhibit “Art Imitates My Life and Inspires Young Artists” by Theresa Angela Taylor
Date Posted: September 27, 2021

Medicare Assistance Bureau Shares Resources in Advance of Open Enrollment
Date Posted: September 27, 2021

Weekly COVID-19 Update – Sept 24, 2021: Positive Cases and Hospitalizations Decline Slightly
Date Posted: September 24, 2021

DPH Advises Vaccine Providers to Offer Pfizer Booster to Eligible Delawareans
Date Posted: September 24, 2021

Delaware Waterfowl Stamp and Trout Stamp Art Winners Announced
Date Posted: September 24, 2021

Increased West Nile Virus Activity Occurring in Delaware
Date Posted: September 24, 2021

Historical Affairs programs in October 2021
Date Posted: September 23, 2021

“Saluting Branches” – Arborist Day of Service
Date Posted: September 23, 2021

AG Jennings sues Monsanto for PCB contamination
Date Posted: September 23, 2021

Delaware emitirá beneficios de emergencia mensuales el 29 de septiembre para todos los hogares de SNAP, TANF elegible
Date Posted: September 23, 2021

Del. to Issue Monthly Emergency Benefits Sept. 29 to All SNAP Households, Eligible TANF, General Assistance Households
Date Posted: September 23, 2021

Delaware Department of Labor Hosts Job Fairs Throughout September Attracting Hundreds of Job Seekers
Date Posted: September 22, 2021

DCRPT convicts former Dewey Beach police officer for 2019 assault
Date Posted: September 22, 2021

Disability Awareness Month Poster Contest CANCELLED for 2021
Date Posted: September 22, 2021

Department of State Announces Ownership Transfer of the Kirk and Short Building to the Biggs Museum of American Art
Date Posted: September 21, 2021

Weekly COVID-19 Update – Sept 17, 2021: Hospitalizations and Case Numbers Continue Concerning Trend Upward
Date Posted: September 17, 2021

Governor Carney Requests Presidential Disaster Declaration after Flooding Caused by Tropical Depression Ida
Date Posted: September 17, 2021

Governor Carney Signs Three Environmental Bills
Date Posted: September 17, 2021

Port Mahon Fishing Pier to Close for Emergency Repairs
Date Posted: September 17, 2021

Governor Carney Announces Leadership Change at Delaware Department of Human Resources (DHR)
Date Posted: September 17, 2021

College Savings Highlighted in Work of Office of the State Treasurer
Date Posted: September 17, 2021

DNREC Parks Director Earns National Award
Date Posted: September 17, 2021

Federal Assistance Available for New Castle County Small Businesses Economically Impacted by Hurricane Ida
Date Posted: September 16, 2021

Keeping Kids Safe: The Delaware Office of Highway Safety Promotes National Child Passenger Safety Week
Date Posted: September 16, 2021

National POW/MIA Recognition Day
Date Posted: September 16, 2021

Gov. Carney, Lt. Gov. Hall-Long, Sen. Carper, Rep. Blunt Rochester Announce $110M Universal Broadband Investment  
Date Posted: September 16, 2021

Five-year Discount Trend Shows It’s A Great Time To Preserve Delaware Farmland
Date Posted: September 16, 2021

Stray Cat in New Castle Tests Positive for Rabies
Date Posted: September 16, 2021

I-95/Route 1 Toll Amnesty Program to Begin October 1
Date Posted: September 15, 2021

Delaware Agriculture Secretary Urges Farms to Participate in USDA Agricultural Labor Survey
Date Posted: September 15, 2021

Plan to Connect Donovan Smith Manufactured Home Community Gets Important Conditional Approval
Date Posted: September 14, 2021

Unclaimed Property MONEY MATCH Program reunites over $900,000 to Delaware Taxpayers
Date Posted: September 13, 2021

Governor Carney Proclaims Sept. 20-24 as Falls Prevention Awareness Week in Delaware
Date Posted: September 13, 2021

DNREC to Begin Construction on Pomeroy Trail  Lighting in White Clay Creek State Park
Date Posted: September 13, 2021

Weekly COVID-19 Update – Sept 10, 2021: Daily COVID-19 Cases Hits Highest Number Since January
Date Posted: September 10, 2021

DNREC to Host Auburn Valley Master Plan Community Meeting
Date Posted: September 10, 2021

Governor Carney, First Lady Tracey Quillen Carney Encourage Reading This Fall
Date Posted: September 10, 2021

Deer in Rehoboth Beach Tests Positive for Rabies
Date Posted: September 10, 2021

Flags to be Lowered September 11 in Observance of Patriot Day
Date Posted: September 10, 2021

DNREC Chester-Choptank Watershed Report Details Wetland Health and Management Recommendations
Date Posted: September 10, 2021

Augustine Beach Boat Ramp to Temporarily Close for Dredging
Date Posted: September 9, 2021

Auditor McGuiness: Annual Statewide Audit Again Finds Problems With DHSS’ Medicaid Program
Date Posted: September 8, 2021

Governor Carney Formally Extends Public Health Emergency
Date Posted: September 8, 2021

Governor Carney, City of Wilmington, and DEMA Announce Flood Assistance Programs
Date Posted: September 8, 2021

Fox in Greenwood Tests Positive for Rabies
Date Posted: September 8, 2021

DNREC and Partners Earn Award for Living Shoreline Project
Date Posted: September 8, 2021

Delaware Receives $10.8 Million to Improve Access to Affordable Health Coverage through Reinsurance Program
Date Posted: September 7, 2021

Auditor McGuiness to Hold Town Halls on Spending of American Rescue Plan Funds
Date Posted: September 7, 2021

Nominations Open for Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Service Awards; Submission Deadline is Sept. 27
Date Posted: September 7, 2021

DOVER (Oct. 15, 2021) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is strongly reminding Delawareans to use caution when around unknown wild animals, including feral cats and stray animals. The reminder comes after a skunk in Greenwood recently tested positive for rabies after attacking a stray cat. The cat escaped and was later found dead in a nearby area.

“This situation is a good reminder for everyone to not touch, feed or approach stray animals. Had that cat returned to its feral colony and been infected with rabies from the attack, it could have transmitted the infection to other cats,” said DPH Medical Director Dr. Rick Hong. “For the safety of everyone, the best thing to do to avoid risk of exposure to rabies, is to stay away from unfamiliar wild or stray animals.”

Rabies is a preventable disease. DPH recommends that individuals take the following steps to prevent rabies exposure:

• All dogs, cats, and ferrets 6 months of age and older are required by Delaware law to be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian.
• Pet owners can reduce the possibility of pets being exposed to rabies by keeping them indoors and not letting them roam free. It is especially important for pet owners who do allow their cats to roam outdoors to vaccinate their pets.
• Do not touch or otherwise handle wild or unfamiliar animals, including cats and dogs, even if they appear friendly.
• Do not keep your pet’s food or water outdoors; bowls can attract wild and stray animals.
• Do not feed feral animals, including cats, as the risk of rabies in wildlife is significant.
• Spaying or neutering your pet may reduce the tendency to roam or fight and, thus, reduce the chance they will be exposed to rabies.
• Keep your garbage securely covered.
• Consider vaccinating livestock and horses, as well. It is recommended to consult with your private veterinarian if you have any questions regarding whether your animal(s) should be vaccinated against rabies.

Since Jan. 1, 2021, DPH has performed rabies tests on 171 animals, 17 of which were confirmed to be rabid, which includes one dog, two raccoons, two skunks (including this one), one fox, three cats, six bats, one cow and a deer. DPH only announces those rabies cases for which it is possible the animal had unknown contacts with additional humans or pets.

In 2020, DPH performed rabies tests on 121 animals, four of which were confirmed to be rabid, including one raccoon, one bat, and two cats. Two additional Delaware animals were tested out of state and confirmed positive, bringing the state total to six.

Rabies is an infectious disease affecting the nervous system of humans and other mammals. Infection can occur through the bite or scratch of an infected animal or if saliva from such an animal gets into the eyes, nose, mouth, or an opening in the skin. Rabies in humans and animals cannot be cured once symptoms appear. Therefore, if a human has been exposed, and the animal is unavailable to be quarantined or tested, DPH recommends that people receive post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) treatment, a series of four vaccinations, as a precautionary measure.

If You Encounter an Animal Behaving Aggressively:

• If you encounter a wild animal other than a feral cat or possibly dog behaving aggressively, it is recommended you contact the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s (DNREC) Wildlife Section at 302-739-9912 or 302-735-3600. Staff will determine whether it is more appropriate to refer callers to a private nuisance wildlife control operator. A listing of nuisance wildlife control operators can be found at https://wildlifehelp.org/. Calls after hours and on weekends can be made to the 24-hour dispatch number at 800-523-3336.
• Do not throw items at the animal or make loud banging noises, which may startle the animal and cause it to attack. Instead, your initial response – if the animal is behaving in an aggressive manner or appears to be foaming at the mouth – should be to raise your hands above your head to make yourself appear larger to the animal while slowly backing away from it. If the animal starts coming toward you, raise your voice and yell sternly at it, “Get away!” If all that fails, use any means to protect yourself including throwing an object at the animal or trying to keep it away by using a long stick, shovel, or fishing pole.
• If you encounter a stray or feral domestic animal, such as a cat or dog, behaving aggressively, contact the Office of Animal Welfare at 302-255-4646.

If You Encounter a Sick or Injured Animal:

• To report a sick or hurt wild animal, Delaware residents are asked to contact the DNREC’s Wildlife Section at 302-739-9912 or 302-735-3600. Staff will determine whether it is more appropriate to refer callers to a permitted volunteer wildlife rehabilitator.
• If you encounter a sick stray domestic animal, such as a cat or dog, contact the Office of Animal Welfare at 302-255-4646.

For more information on the DPH rabies program, visit www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/dpc/rabies.html or call 1-866-972-9705 or 302-744-4995. For more information on rabies, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov/rabies/.

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Related Topics:  DE Division of Public Health, Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, Delaware Division of Public Health, DPH Rabies Program, rabies, rabies exposure

Keep up to date by receiving a daily digest email, around noon, of current news release posts from state agencies on news.delaware.gov.

Here you can subscribe to future news updates.

DOVER (Oct. 15, 2021) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is strongly reminding Delawareans to use caution when around unknown wild animals, including feral cats and stray animals. The reminder comes after a skunk in Greenwood recently tested positive for rabies after attacking a stray cat. The cat escaped and was later found dead in a nearby area.

“This situation is a good reminder for everyone to not touch, feed or approach stray animals. Had that cat returned to its feral colony and been infected with rabies from the attack, it could have transmitted the infection to other cats,” said DPH Medical Director Dr. Rick Hong. “For the safety of everyone, the best thing to do to avoid risk of exposure to rabies, is to stay away from unfamiliar wild or stray animals.”

Rabies is a preventable disease. DPH recommends that individuals take the following steps to prevent rabies exposure:

• All dogs, cats, and ferrets 6 months of age and older are required by Delaware law to be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian.
• Pet owners can reduce the possibility of pets being exposed to rabies by keeping them indoors and not letting them roam free. It is especially important for pet owners who do allow their cats to roam outdoors to vaccinate their pets.
• Do not touch or otherwise handle wild or unfamiliar animals, including cats and dogs, even if they appear friendly.
• Do not keep your pet’s food or water outdoors; bowls can attract wild and stray animals.
• Do not feed feral animals, including cats, as the risk of rabies in wildlife is significant.
• Spaying or neutering your pet may reduce the tendency to roam or fight and, thus, reduce the chance they will be exposed to rabies.
• Keep your garbage securely covered.
• Consider vaccinating livestock and horses, as well. It is recommended to consult with your private veterinarian if you have any questions regarding whether your animal(s) should be vaccinated against rabies.

Since Jan. 1, 2021, DPH has performed rabies tests on 171 animals, 17 of which were confirmed to be rabid, which includes one dog, two raccoons, two skunks (including this one), one fox, three cats, six bats, one cow and a deer. DPH only announces those rabies cases for which it is possible the animal had unknown contacts with additional humans or pets.

In 2020, DPH performed rabies tests on 121 animals, four of which were confirmed to be rabid, including one raccoon, one bat, and two cats. Two additional Delaware animals were tested out of state and confirmed positive, bringing the state total to six.

Rabies is an infectious disease affecting the nervous system of humans and other mammals. Infection can occur through the bite or scratch of an infected animal or if saliva from such an animal gets into the eyes, nose, mouth, or an opening in the skin. Rabies in humans and animals cannot be cured once symptoms appear. Therefore, if a human has been exposed, and the animal is unavailable to be quarantined or tested, DPH recommends that people receive post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) treatment, a series of four vaccinations, as a precautionary measure.

If You Encounter an Animal Behaving Aggressively:

• If you encounter a wild animal other than a feral cat or possibly dog behaving aggressively, it is recommended you contact the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s (DNREC) Wildlife Section at 302-739-9912 or 302-735-3600. Staff will determine whether it is more appropriate to refer callers to a private nuisance wildlife control operator. A listing of nuisance wildlife control operators can be found at https://wildlifehelp.org/. Calls after hours and on weekends can be made to the 24-hour dispatch number at 800-523-3336.
• Do not throw items at the animal or make loud banging noises, which may startle the animal and cause it to attack. Instead, your initial response – if the animal is behaving in an aggressive manner or appears to be foaming at the mouth – should be to raise your hands above your head to make yourself appear larger to the animal while slowly backing away from it. If the animal starts coming toward you, raise your voice and yell sternly at it, “Get away!” If all that fails, use any means to protect yourself including throwing an object at the animal or trying to keep it away by using a long stick, shovel, or fishing pole.
• If you encounter a stray or feral domestic animal, such as a cat or dog, behaving aggressively, contact the Office of Animal Welfare at 302-255-4646.

If You Encounter a Sick or Injured Animal:

• To report a sick or hurt wild animal, Delaware residents are asked to contact the DNREC’s Wildlife Section at 302-739-9912 or 302-735-3600. Staff will determine whether it is more appropriate to refer callers to a permitted volunteer wildlife rehabilitator.
• If you encounter a sick stray domestic animal, such as a cat or dog, contact the Office of Animal Welfare at 302-255-4646.

For more information on the DPH rabies program, visit www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/dpc/rabies.html or call 1-866-972-9705 or 302-744-4995. For more information on rabies, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov/rabies/.

Print

Related Topics:  DE Division of Public Health, Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, Delaware Division of Public Health, DPH Rabies Program, rabies, rabies exposure

Keep up to date by receiving a daily digest email, around noon, of current news release posts from state agencies on news.delaware.gov.

Here you can subscribe to future news updates.