The discovery of a dead animal on your property often brings up serious health questions, and one of the most pressing is: “Can dead animals transmit rabies?” The answer is yes, a dead animal can potentially spread rabies, but the risk is generally considered low. The rabies virus does not survive for very long outside of a living host. However, under certain conditions, it can persist in a carcass, making professional dead animal removal an essential safety measure.
How Rabies is Transmitted
Rabies is a virus that affects the central nervous system of mammals. It is most commonly transmitted through a bite from an infected animal, where the virus is shed in the saliva. It can also be spread if saliva or other infectious material, such as brain tissue, from a rabid animal comes into contact with an open wound, scratch, or mucous membrane (eyes, nose, or mouth). The virus is not transmitted through blood, urine, or feces.
The Risk from a Dead Animal
The rabies virus is fragile and is quickly deactivated by sunlight, heat, and drying. However, it can survive for a few hours in saliva and body fluids and for longer periods within the carcass of a dead animal, especially in cold temperatures. While the risk of contracting rabies from a dead animal is very low, it’s not zero. The risk is highest if you have direct contact with the animal’s brain tissue or fresh saliva through an open cut or a mucous membrane.
Animals That Pose the Highest Risk
While any mammal can carry rabies, the primary carriers in North America are wild animals like raccoons, bats, skunks, and foxes. The risk is much lower for small rodents such as squirrels, rats, and mice. When you encounter a deceased animal, you cannot know for sure if it was rabid. Therefore, it is always safest to assume that any wild animal carcass, particularly one of a known carrier species, could be a potential source of the virus.
The Dangers of DIY Removal
Given the potential for rabies and other diseases, it is never a good idea to remove a dead animal yourself. Without proper personal protective equipment, you risk exposure to the virus and other pathogens. A professional dead animal removal Chicago service has the necessary tools, gear, and training to handle the job safely. We use heavy gloves, safety glasses, and other protective equipment to prevent any direct contact with the carcass.
Why Professional Removal is the Best Option
A professional service provides a complete solution that protects your health and safety. We not only remove the dead animal but also sanitize the area with professional-grade disinfectants to kill any lingering viruses or bacteria. We also dispose of the carcass according to all local regulations, which is essential for both safety and legality. This is a much safer and more reliable option than trying to handle the situation yourself.
The Importance of a Quick Dead Animal Removal in Chicago, IL.
Acting quickly is crucial. The longer a carcass remains on your property, the more the risk of exposure to diseases, the worse the odor becomes, and the more likely it is to attract other pests. A prompt response from a professional service will mitigate these risks and give you peace of mind.
Don’t take chances with a dead animal. For a safe, effective, and complete solution that addresses all potential health risks, including rabies, call Preyon Pest Control for dead animal removal in Chicago and the surrounding areas including Markham, IL.
