The Health Department noted a recent case of rabies in a raccoon in South Hero. Since wild animals move and interact with each other, a rabid animal detection means there is circulation of the virus and a risk of rabies from wildlife in the greater town area. All residents are urged to take steps to protect humans and domestic animals from rabies.
If you are bitten by an animal: wash the wound very well with soap and water and contact your health care provider. Follow all their instructions.
If your pet or farm animal was exposed to a wild or stray animal that might have rabies: contact your veterinarian. State law requires dogs and cats to be vaccinated for rabies — even barn cats.
If you see a wild or stray animal acting strangely, or are concerned about a rabies exposure, call the Rabies Hotline (1-800-4-RABIES) or report it to your town’s animal control officer.
Do not touch or pick up wild or stray animals – even baby animals – or try to make them into pets. Doing so can put yourself or your family at risk of exposure through a bite or scratch. You can’t tell if an animal has rabies just by looking at it. Interacting with young wildlife may result in them being orphaned or tested for rabies, which requires humanely euthanizing the animal. So, for their own sake, leave wildlife in the wild.
Learn more about rabies in Vermont – visit www.healthvermont.gov/rabies.
Dogs must be registered annually by April 1st.
The Vermont Legislature increased the fee to be collected for the State of Vermont Rabies Control Program from $1 to $3 effective January 1, 2025. See Act 167 (2024).
As a result the fee for spayed/neutered dogs has increased to $12 and the fee for unaltered dogs is now $15.
Livestock Running at Large EDITED 2-15-2024
Animal Control Officer: Jim Benson 802-238-3246