What is the essential action to take after exposure to a possibly rabid animal?

The essential action to take after exposure to a possibly rabid animal is to have the animal examined at a qualified lab. This action is critical because rabies is a potentially fatal viral infection that can be transmitted through the bite or scratch of an infected animal. Testing the animal is important to determine whether it has rabies, which directly impacts the necessary medical response for the exposed individual.

While contacting animal control or wildlife rehabilitation may offer support and guidance, they do not provide definitive answers regarding the rabies status of the animal. Waiting for symptoms to appear is highly dangerous, as rabies symptoms can escalate quickly, and by the time symptoms manifest, the disease is often too advanced to treat effectively. Therefore, laboratory examination is essential for confirming the rabies status and informing subsequent medical treatment and protocols.