Rabies Safety in Nebraska: Protect Your Pets & Family

• Skunks → primary terrestrial reservoir
• Bats → main source of human exposure
• Occasional cases in other wildlife

• Dogs encountering skunks at night (very common in farms and yards)
• Bats entering homes, barns, or sheds
• Outdoor pets roaming unsupervised
• Children approaching injured or slow-moving animals

In Nebraska, rabies vaccination is required for:

• Dogs
• Cats

(Ferrets are also commonly regulated locally)

Typical Schedule:

• First vaccine: 3–4 months of age
• Booster: 1 year later
• Then: every 1–3 years

Required for:

• Licensing (dogs in many areas)
• Boarding, grooming, and veterinary services

If a Person is Bitten:

1. Wash immediately (soap + running water for 15 minutes)
2. Seek medical care (rabies post-exposure prophylaxis may be required)
3. Report the incident (contact your local health department)

If Your Pet Bites Someone:

• Provide vaccination records
• Animal is typically observed for 10 days
• Reporting is required

If Your Pet Is Exposed to Wildlife:

• Contact a veterinarian immediately
• Booster vaccination is usually required
• Confinement depends on vaccination status

Early Signs:

• Sudden behavior changes
• Aggression or unusual friendliness
• Drooling

Advanced Signs:

• Difficulty walking
• Paralysis
• Seizures

Practical Steps:

• Keep pets vaccinated and supervised
• Avoid leaving pets outside overnight
• Secure garbage to reduce skunk attraction
• Seal attic and roof gaps to prevent bat entry
• Supervise pets around barns and sheds

Farm & Agricultural Areas:

• Reduce wildlife hiding spaces near structures
• Keep feed areas clean to avoid attracting animals

Spring & Summer:

• Increased wildlife activity
• More pet–wildlife interactions

Fall:

• Skunks become more active before winter

Year-Round:

• Bat exposure risk indoors remains

• Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
• Local health departments
• Animal control services
• Licensed veterinarians