"Rabies is an invariably fatal disease that is spread through the bite or saliva of infected animals," stated Dr. Harold N. Adel, Commissioner of Health for Westchester County. "People can become infected with rabies through contact with wildlife or with unimmunized household pets who harbor the disease. To protect our children from the threat of rabies, parents must warn their children to stay away from wild, stray or unknown animals." he added.

Unimmunized dogs and cats can contract rabies from encounters with rabid skunks, raccoons, foxes, woodchucks, or other rabid animals. Therefore, Westchester County law requires that all dogs and cats be immunized against rabies. Penalties for non-compliance include fines of up to $1000 and either the quarantine of unimmunized pets for six months in a veterinary facility or putting the animal to sleep.

If you are bitten by a rabid animal or come in contact with its saliva, you may need to receive immediate post-exposure rabies treatment. This consists of five shots given over the period of a month. It is 100% effective in preventing rabies if given early enough after the exposure to rabies and before symptoms develop. Once symptoms occur, in humans or in animals, death is inevitable.