DHHS → MeCDC → Disease Surveillance → Epidemiology → Zoonotic → Rabies → Rabies Day
World Rabies Day in Maine — Monday, September 28, 2014
On September 28, the State of Maine will celebrate the ninth annual World Rabies Day. This year, the Maine Rabies Workgroup organized educational tables throughout the community during September and October to get the word out about rabies prevention. All Mainers are encouraged to consider ways they can prevent the spread of rabies.
- Vaccinate your pet cats and dogs against rabies; it is the law.
- Avoid contact with wild animals or other animals that you do not know.
- Bat proof your home. Wildlife biologists can provide tips on how to bat proof your home without harming bats but preventing them from entering your home.
- Report all exposures to Maine CDC (1-800-821-5821) or a healthcare provider.
History
In 2006, the Alliance for Rabies Control, a U.K. charity, formed to promote rabies prevention worldwide. The Alliance, along with the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, declared September 28 World Rabies Day. All partners, including international health organizations, national, state and local public health partners, professional organizations, commercial pharmaceutical companies and foundations have been called upon to plan events throughout the world to increase awareness about rabies and to raise support and funding towards its control and prevention. Worldwide, over 50,000 people die from rabies each year.
Events
- Washington County Council of Governments – Come hear presenters from Maine CDC and USDA APHIS Wildlife Services talk about rabies in Washington County. Speakers will cover the following topics: surveillance, rabies exposures, responding to suspect rabid animals, managing exposures in people and pets, and preventing cross-border spread of rabies. Animal Control Officers, Game Wardens, Veterinarians, and Town Officials in Washington County are strongly encouraged to attend.
- Thursday, September 10, 2015, 6pm-8pm
- Cobscook Community Learning Center, Trescott, Maine
- Northwoods Law Day – Maine Rabies Workgroup members will have an educational table for kids of all ages to learn about rabies prevention while they wait to meet their favorite Game Wardens. There will be arts and crafts and a creative game based on which animals can get rabies. Come and join the fun!
- Saturday, September 26, 2015, 9:30am-3pm
- Maine Wildlife Park, Gray, Maine
- Rabies School Presentations – Maine Rabies Workgroup members will teach rabies prevention at local elementary and middle schools throughout September and October.
- Northwoods Law rabies episode “Outfoxed” (Season 4, episode 6)
Resources
- 2012 Maine Rabies Management Guidelines, 3rd Edition (pdf*)(free viewer)
- Preventing Rabies in Maine Video | transcript
- Series of Rabies Videos, Global Alliance for Rabies Control
- Rabies post-exposure prophylaxis online course, Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
- Rabies Educator Certificate
Links