Risks From Animals Abroad.

Animals in general tend to avoid humans, but they may attack, particularly if they are with young.

Rabies infected animals may be found in all countries with the following exceptions: Australia, Bermuda, many of the Caribbean Islands (but not Cuba, Grenada, Haiti, Puerto Rico or Trinidad), Finland, Gibraltar, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, Malta, New Guinea, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom. In areas of high prevalence of rabies, domestic dogs and cats should not be petted and contact with wild animals should be avoided. Routine rabies vaccination is not recommended except under special circumstances. No animal bite should be ignored. After thorough cleansing of the wound, a competent opinion should be sought as to the possibility of rabies in the area.

Poisonous snakes are hazards in many areas. They tend to be active at night and bite as a defensive reaction. As a precaution, boots may be worn when walking outdoors at night in snake-infested areas. There are antivenoms against the effects of most poisonous snakes, but these may not be readily available in all areas. Bites from scorpions may be painful but seldom are dangerous except possibly in infants. Shoes and clothing should be examined before use, particularly in the morning, as snakes and scorpions tend to rest in them.