Keep Yourself and Your Pets Safe from Rabies

Recently in Georgia, a calf that had been shown at a livestock event was diagnosed with rabies and had to be humanely euthanized. A veterinarian with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System says rabies in cattle is rare.

“While we do see rabies in domesticated animals, it’s not the norm,” says Dr. Soren Rodning. “Recent studies show that more than 90 percent of all animals diagnosed as rabid are wild animals.”

He points out that most reported cases of rabies in Alabama are in wildlife, primarily raccoons, bats, skunks and foxes. Rodning adds that it is important to have dogs and cats vaccinated for the fatal disease.

“Immunizing domestic dogs and cats provides the only buffer between wildlife rabies and humans,” he says. “This is the only effective way to keep the incidence of rabies in people from rising.”

Rabies can infect any warm-blooded animal, including a human and is always fatal unless specialized treatment is received immediately after exposure. The primary means of contracting the disease is through a bite or scratch with contaminated saliva contacting the wound. It can also be contracted if saliva from an infected animal contacts a mucous membrane such as the eyes or mouth.

While people often think of the mad or crazy animal as a sign of rabies, research shows that a form where the animal appears dumb or docile is more common. Any wild animal that suddenly appears friendly, docile or friendly to humans should be considered possibly infected with rabies and avoided.

Animals normally active at night, such as raccoons that become active in daylight, may be rabid. Each year in Alabama, children and pets are exposed to rabies when they approach these wild animals.

Ways to Avoid Exposure to Rabies.
• Avoid sick or strange-acting animals. Report them to the local animal control officer.

• Vaccinate cats and dogs against rabies. Vaccinate livestock when recommended by a veterinarian in areas where rabies is prevalent.

• Do not pick up, touch or feed wild or unfamiliar animals. Do not leave pet food outside for any reason.

• Do not rescue seemingly abandoned baby wild animals. In most cases, when a baby animal or bird is found, the parent is nearby waiting for humans to leave.

• Do not keep wild or exotic animals as pets. Alabama state law requires a permit for anyone maintaining or harboring wildlife.

• Use only animal-proof trash cans. Garbage attracts raccoons.

• Cap chimneys, seal openings and cut tree branches that provide access to houses, garages and other buildings to prevent raccoons and bats from entering.

• Teach children to keep a safe distance from wildlife and strays.

• If bitten or scratched by an animal, promptly wash the wounds with warm soapy water for 10 minutes and see a health care provider immediately.

• If a pet is bitten or scratched by another animal, gloves should be worn when handling the animal or cleaning the wound. A vet should be contacted immediately for more information.

Posted by at August 13, 2007 01:19 PM | TrackBack