Hello, this forum is great, there is a ton of information about every topic that you could imagine.
I live in a nicely wooded area in B'ham AL, there is nothing but woods in my back yard. We have a problem with raccoons getting in our trash, so I bought a compound bow and decided I would try and shoot them. So the 3 nights ago I killed my first one, it was a clean shot....I have never killed nothing, and I didnt know what to do with him, so I just chunked him in the woods. My buddy said that the next one I kill I should skin. So I killed one last night, and skinned him (with the help of your site) this morning. I used gloves, and was very careful. So my question is the knife that used, what is the best way to sterilize it, and what are the chances that I could have contracted rabies? Im a little nervous. Also the pelt, can rabies still be on the skin, I am in the salting process. Just needing some beginner help.
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I have worked in a Rabies testing lab before and know a little bit about it. If you wore a latex/rubber gloves, you should be fine as long as you didn't puncture your skin. Rabies virus is only found in the salivary glands, brain, and nervous tissue(nerves, spinal cord, etc.) The pelt does not have rabies on it. Sterilize the knife with clorox. It is highly unlikely that you were exposed...but if you feel you need to have the raccoon tested, call your local health dept. They will need to send the head off to have the brain tested.
Thanks James, like I said this is the 2nd thing that I have ever killed, and I have never been hunting before. I cant wait to use my bow on some bucks...but I appreciate your advise. I did use rubber dishwashing gloves (go ahead laugh) I threw them away afterwards. I have to go by my wife some more gloves now.
...is very susceptable to air and drying, so I dont believe theres any risk. I wouldnt mess with ANY suspect animal, just to avoid any situation whatsoever.
Thanks Bill. I have read all through this forum, and I have read all the different ways to tell if a animal is suspected to have rabies. Are there any sure ways to tell? How long do animals live that have rabies? Are there any animal control sites that show the % of animals with rabies in your area? I know thats allot of questions, but I know you veterans have the answer.
Ill bet James Parrish would be the first to suggest that you cant always tell when rabies is present, sometimes its just clinical signs. Ill step aside for a more professional reply. James, could you do the honors here?
I'am no doctor but here in NY and certain countys in ny people tend to get rabies and distemper confused.It seems that once the word of rabies gets out every raccoon and skunk has rabies.I've traped fifty six years and have yet to get rabies.Since 1998 i have area's that large population of raccoon have died of distemper. Ihave seen dogs and raccoon died of distemper which if you did'nt know right away you would think he's got rabies.
Hi there, I am not a Dr. but I did have a licensed kennel for over 18 years. I was certified to give my own rabies shots at that time and from what I recall the rabies virus only lives in the animal for a short time. After the body temp goes below a certain temp (I don't exactly remember what that temp was but I think 72*)the virus dies as well. I trapped as a youngster and skinned many hides and I am still here to talk about it. Get more advise from a pro though.