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Animal Contact - Advice and Information

Any direct contact with stray or wild animals should be avoided when travelling abroad. Bites can be frightening and sometimes carry the risk of disease.

• Discuss with your Doctor or Nurse the need for rabies vaccination if travelling in areas more than 24 hours from medical help in risk areas.

• Know what to do if you get bitten - wash the wound for 5 minutes under running water with soap. Rinse and pour an iodine preparation or 60-70% alcohol on the wound and get to medical help IMMEDIATELY.

• Do not have the wound stitched for at least 48 hours.

• If you are bitten by an animal abroad it is important to see your Doctor on return

• Always wear long trousers and boots when walking through undergrowth or long grass

• When sleeping outside always have the bed raised off the ground

• If you meet a snake do not panic keep very still until it goes away!

• Carry a torch and spare batteries when walking at night