Read a fact sheet about rabies, including transmission, treatment and prevention.
In the Midwest, skunks and bats are the main sources and the most common animal species positive for rabies. Domestic pets and livestock can be infected from exposure to these wildlife sources of rabies.
The risk of exposure to rabies is real, but the disease is preventable in both humans and domestic animals. Rabies prevention consists of vaccinating domestic animals, education of humans to avoid exposures, and providing exposed persons with prompt post-exposure rabies prophylaxis. Vaccinate your dogs, cats, ferrets, horses, cattle and sheep through your local veterinarian.
Tips to Prevent Rabies
- Have your veterinarian vaccinate all dogs, cats, ferrets, horses and valuable livestock against rabies.
- If bitten by an animal, seek medical attention and report the bite to your local animal control department immediately.
- Within the city of Wichita, contact Wichita Animal Control at 350-3360.
- Outside the city of Wichita but within Sedgwick County, contact Sedgwick County Animal Control at 660-7070.
- If your animal is bitten, contact your veterinarian for advice.
- Do not handle, or feed wild animals. Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home.
- If wild animals appear sick or injured, call animal control or an animal rescue agency for assistance.
- Teach children never to handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly.
- If you wake up and a bat is present inside your home, even if there is no evidence of a bite or scratch, seek medical attention.
If you have additional questions, please contact your veterinarian, local or state health department, or the K-State Rabies Laboratory at 785-532-4483