Rabies

Rabies exists throughout Alameda County and is a fatal viral disease for both animals and humans. Rabies is passed through the saliva of infected animals, typically through a bite. In Alameda County, dogs, cats, bats, skunks, and horses have been infected with rabies and bats are typically the main reservoirs. Occasionally, rabies can be transmitted if the saliva of an infected animal gets into a fresh scratch, breaks in the skin, or contacts a human’s eyes, mouth or nose.

The Alameda County Vector Control District acts as the liaison between animal control agencies, the County Public Health Lab, and the local community to coordinate the rabies surveillance program. Our District transports specimens for rabies testing to the Public Health lab and assists the County Public Health Department with rabies case investigations. In the event of a positive rabid bat, vector control biologists will inspect homes and businesses for signs of bat roosting and/or entry points into the structure. In response to a positive rabid bat, vector control biologists perform a survey of the local neighborhood, distributes rabies alert memos, and educates members of the public. If you think you may have been exposed to rabies, seek medical attention immediately