With three cases of rabies in wildlife reported in San Luis Obispo County so far this year, the Public Health Department and Animal Services are asking people to take steps to prevent its spread and protect pets.

Rabies is described by veterinarians as a virus primarily caused by wildlife such as a bat, raccoon, or a coyote, and it's transmitted by saliva. If you're bitten, wash the wound immediately.

“It can take about 80 days for the virus to actually cause a problem," said Zoe Olmstead, Associate Veterinarian at Las Tablas Animal Hospital. "It varies by species, but once symptoms start showing, it's pretty much game over.”

According to Olmstead, three phases occur once symptoms start to present themselves. The first, a change in character such as hiding in unusual places or a change

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