Rabies Awareness: Rabies in wildlife continues to pose risk to pets and people

F or immediate release

October 17, 2025

Contact: Stacey Frame

Amador County Public Health

Public Information Officer

Rabies Awareness:

Rabies in wildlife continues to pose risk to pets and people

Pioneer, CA - Amador County Public Health and Amador County Animal Control remind residents that rabies in wildlife continues to pose a risk to pets and people. In October 2025, a feral kitten tested positive for rabies after contact with a skunk in the unincorporated "upcountry" area of Amador County.

"Rabies vaccinations and awareness are the best defense," states Evan Jacobs, Amador County Animal Control Director. "Owners need to remember the importance of keeping their pets current with rabies vaccination to keep their pets and families safe. If exposed to potentially rabid wildlife, their pets should get a booster dose within 48 hours." Indoor animals should also receive rabies vaccine as bats can be discovered by pets in the home.

In addition to vaccination, there are several things Amador residents can do to protect themselves and their pets:

• Avoid contact with wildlife, feral cats and animals you do not know.
• If you are bitten:
  • Wash the bite thoroughly with soap and water.
  • Seek medical attention.
  • Call Amador County Animal Control at 209-223-6378 about testing the animal.
• If your pet was exposed to a skunk, bat, raccoon, fox or other wildlife, contact your veterinarian and Animal Control.
• If a bat is inside your home, do NOT let it out. Close off the room to confine it and contact Animal Control for capture and testing.

"Rabies is a deadly disease that kills both animals and humans," says Health Officer Dr. Rita Kerr. "The rabies virus is almost always fatal. If you may have been exposed, seek treatment right away to prevent illness." In California, bats, skunks, raccoons and foxes are the most frequent carriers of rabies. For more information on rabies and pet vaccination, contact your veterinarian or Amador County Animal Control at 209-223-6378. Rabies information may also be found on the Animal Control website: https://www.amadorgov.org/departments/animal-control/rabies-information.

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ACPH Press Release - Rabies Awareness 10.17.2025