Yes, raccoons along with red (and grey) foxes, bats, and skunks are the main carriers of the rabies virus in the United States. Ordinarily, any warm-blooded animal can carry rabies, but these ones are what we call “rabies vector species.
Can You Get Rabies from Racoons?
Yes, raccoons with rabies can transfer the virus to humans through biting or scratching (in some cases).
But this rarely happens. Once a raccoon becomes infected, there is only a 3-day window for a raccoon to transmit the disease before they die. Only one case of human death from raccoon rabies has ever been recorded.
The raccoon rabies virus can be treated before it matures in humans. The series of raccoon rabies shots include:
- A centralized accelerated treatment to prevent the virus from maturing.
- A vaccine series to prepare the body to fight raccoon rabies.
Can Humans Get Rabies from Raccoons?
Yes, humans can. But, this rarely happens and there has ever been one death recorded from a raccoon rabies infection.
Here’s what to do in case a wild raccoon bite you:
This first shot contains a rabies immune globulin that is injected at the site of the animal scratch or bites.
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It travels to fight the progress of raccoon rabies so your vaccines can work to prevent any further harm.
Next, a series of 4 shots are administered over the course of 14 days. Unlike the treatment shot, the vaccines are injected through the arm.
The vaccine then clears out any rabies leftover from the first treatment shot.
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Can Racoons Get Rabies Shot?
Yes, raccoons can get dog rabies shot. But there is not enough data to prove this works. Like the polio vaccine for children, the rabies vaccine for raccoons is taken by mouth.
Raccoons can be vaccinated against rabies. Remember, prevention is always better than cure.
Can Dogs Get Rabies from Racoons?
Yes, a dog bitten by a rabid raccoon will become infected with rabies.
Rabies is transmitted via the saliva of infected animals on wounds or open skins of uninfected animals or pets.
Can Baby Raccoons Get Rabies?
Some raccoons do not show signs of rabies (even when infected). If that happens, baby raccoons from such parents can be born with rabies.
Your best bet is to vaccinate against rabies.
Do Most Racoons Have Rabies?
It depends. But, unless a break-out occurs, only a small number of coons in your area actually have rabies.
Does Rabies Affect Raccoons?
Yes, rabies makes them mad and even causes death after 48 hours of infection.
Can Raccoons Be Born with Rabies?
Some raccoons do not show signs of rabies (even when infected). If that happens, baby raccoons from such parents can be born with rabies.
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Your best bet is to vaccinate against rabies.
How to Tell If A Raccoon Has Rabies
Rabbit raccoons exhibit certain signs humans can identify.
Here are some rabies in raccoons symptoms:
- Unusual stagger
- Wet fur
- Unresponsiveness to movements, and sounds
- Abnormal movements
- Yelling or crying
- Lesions or injuries
Raccoons are largely nocturnal. But, a hungry one will be seen during the day, foraging for food. So, a raccoon wandering, foraging, or feeding during the daylight hours is not a sure sign of rabies.
How Long Can Rabies in Saliva Live On An Object?
The virus can survive only 10 to 20 minutes in direct sunlight but may live for up to two hours in saliva on an animal’s coat.
How Long Can A Raccoon Live with Rabies?
Raccoons infected with rabies usually die within 3 days. Some live up to 7 days before dying.
How often do Raccoons Have Rabies?
There is not enough data to measure this but one thing is certain – they get infected with rabies every year.
Raccoon Rabies Percentage
Raccoons infected with rabies were at 30.3% In 2018, the number has risen to up to 45% in recent years.
What other Diseases Do Raccoons Carry?
Raccoons are carriers of leptospirosis and roundworm.
The best approach to these two diseases is prevention.
They are both hard to treat and have serious symptoms.
Do not touch wild animals and stay away from possibly infected soil or water.
Frequently caused by exposure to raccoon urine, Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection.
This health issue has symptoms similar to several other diseases, including:
Fever
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Headaches & Muscle Aches
Abdominal pain
Diarrhea
Chills
Vomiting
Yellowing of Skin and Eyes
Roundworm resides in the fecal deposit of raccoons.
Baylisascaris is a roundworm particular to raccoons. It is a parasite that can cause damage to humans if it manages to infect sensitive areas such as organs or eyes.
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How Do I Prevent Raccoon-Related Diseases?
Beware of Attacks
When cornered or threatened, raccoons will lash out at things that frighten them to defend their selves.
Avoid contact with raccoons during the day. You should make sure your pets avoid confrontation with them too.
If a raccoon exhibits any of the signs of rabies, walk away. Should you find yourself stuck in a room with a raccoon, protect vulnerable people and property and find a way out.
From my experience, pregnant and mother raccoons are the most protective. They sometimes lunge at animals or people that pose a threat to their young.
Identify Raccoon Latrines
Raccoons, like humans, are fond of depositing waste in a single location.
In rodent control, these areas are called raccoon latrines.
They can be found:
- Near the base of trees
- Near solid objects like logs or stumps
- In the garage or in the attack
- In Patio and roof.
These waste deposits are highly dangerous to the health of your family, yourself, and pets. Have a professional clean and protect a latrine if you find one.
Pay attention to unusual noises, check the most common entrance points for pests in your home, and order a full raccoon removal once you know where the raccoons are coming from.