In the past few days, there have been several incidents of rabid raccoons in Radnor, Pa. and the township website gave residents wrong advice about what to do if your pet is bitten.
That bad information could be dangerous to you and your family.
"Rabies is invariably fatal if it is not prevented and that's why we make such a big deal about it, that's why it is taken very seriously," says Dr. Tamara Mengine of the Ardmore Animal Hospital.
That's why Radnor Township issued a public health alert warning residents about a rabid raccoon that bit a dog on thursday along Bryn Mawr Avenue. It was the second incident in three days.
The problem is, the alert, which was posted online, recommends if your dog or cat is bitten by an unfamiliar animal to first clean the wound with warm soap and water and then take the pet to the vet.
Veterinarian Dr. Tamara Mengine says that's a bad idea because cleaning the wound could put you at risk for rabies.
"Don't touch the wound because rabies is transmitted by saliva so there is the possibility there could be saliva in the wound and your could infect yourself," Dr. Mengine says. "Leave it alone and bring your dog straight to a veterinarian."
Raccoons are nocturnal, so daytime attacks are usually a sign the animal has rabies.
Dr. Mengine says its important to make sure your dog or cat is vaccinated beginning at 3-months-old and to keep your shots up to date.
She also says keep your pet supervised, because sometimes bite wounds are very subtle and not easily found.
"I would walk your dog on a leash because when a dog is in a backyard running around free, you just never know what might happen," Dr. Mengine says.
Jim waters is vigilant about getting his pets vaccinated against rabies.
His dog Flicka was at Ardmore Animal Hospital Friday to get her booster.
"She's here for her rabies shot," he said. "We get our rabies shot every two years, same with the other dog, so we do take it seriously."
The health officer for Radnor Township says he made a mistake when questioned about the misinformation.
He also admits he did not check with an expert before posting the information.
It wasn't until NBC Philadelphia told the official the recommendation was wrong that he realized the error and promised to correct it.
