Arlington VA Wildlife Animal Control

Professional Wildlife Removal

For  Immediate Service

Timothy McDowell

No Dog or Cat Calls Please

703-839-6631

North West    North East    South East

Prince Georges County MD    Montgomery County MD

Alexandria VA    Arlington VA

While the Risk Is Low Be Aware of Rabies

Rabies is a relatively rare disease, but several well-publicized scares—including one at a Virginia summer camp—make this a good time to review the basics.

First and foremost, rabies is very serious and essentially uniformly fatal for humans once the disease takes hold. However, it is very rare, with only one to two cases annually in the U.S. Because there is an effective post-exposure therapy that prevents the disease nearly 100 percent of the time, it behooves us to know when to seek care.

Rabies is caused by a virus, which is transmitted via saliva of infected animals, usually through a bite in the skin. Rarely, it can be transmitted through a mucous membrane such as the eyes, nose or mouth. After infection, the virus travels from peripheral nerves to the central nervous system, brain and spinal cord. Although initially symptoms are very non-specific (fever, headache and malaise) central infection leads to the classic neurological symptoms of rabies, including

• Insomnia, anxiety, agitation
• Confusion, hallucinations, delirium
• Paralysis, seizure
• Increased salivation
• Hydrophobia (fear of water)

Rabies virus is found only in mammals. More than 90 percent of cases in the U.S. are caused in association with exposure to wild animals; fortunately, animal vaccination programs have dramatically decreased the instance of rabies in domestic animals and livestock. Worldwide, however, 90 percent of cases are associated with bites from stray dogs, an important consideration when traveling internationally. Pre-travel immunization is recommended prior to travel in high-risk areas, particularly in the developing world.

• Avoid close contact with wild animals, particularly those displaying unusual behavior.
• Immunize domestic pets under the guidance of your veterinarian.
• If traveling in high-risk environments or working in environments with potential exposure, consider pre-vaccination. Internationally the highest risk areas are Africa, Asia and Latin America, where dog vaccination programs have been historically less successful.
• If a potential exposure occurs, seek care immediately.

Squirrels can become a pest problem when they enter your home." Squirrel problems are becoming; more and more frequent. Homeowners are complaining of a squirrel problem in their attic. It may be sweet to see these furry friends running along tree branches and electrical lines, but when they start to invade your attic, things start to turn ugly the damage and distruction they can cause can be horrific. Many homeowners are reporting these types of squirrel problems more and more each day this time of year, and they generally occur because the animals are looking for a warm, safe place to live and too give birth to there young.. Your attic is the ideal place for them to cozy up and nest for the night.

WASHINGTON - An increasing number of bats found in D.C. homes are testing positive for rabies, and the city health department is urging residents to "bat proof" their homes.