World Rabies Day

Tomorrow, September 28th, is World Rabies Day.  During 2010, 48 states reported 6,154 rabid animals and 2 human cases to the CDC, representing an 8% decrease reported in 2009.  Approximately 92% of reported rabid animals are wildlife, with raccoons, skunks, bath, foxes, cats, cattle and dogs making up those cases, the majority in that order.

Rabies is a zoonotic disease (transmissible from animal to man) and has the highest case fatality ratio of any other infectious disease.  Rabies is passed through saliva and an open skin would such as from a bite or a scratch.  Our cats, dogs, horses and cattle are usually contract the disease from wild animal bites, either through hunting, or accidentally through natural curiosity about a wild animal in your yards.  Vaccinating your pets, even indoor cats and dogs, not only prevents them but also protects you, your family and community from the potential risk of rabies.

This week I received a phone call from a client whose daughter was bitten by a dog that was not vaccinated.  The client had questions about how the offending dog should be monitored for the potential of rabies.  Of course, the local law enforcement was contacted and according to law the dog is now under quarantine by the owner for the next 10 days.

How can you prevent rabies?  Arm yourself and educate your children about bite prevention, report all bites to your local authorities and vaccinate your pets.  Please take the time to watch this video, UNDERSTANDING RABIES provided by the world rabies day organization.  At this website are additional videos about what animals are most likely to be rabid, symptoms of rabies, diagnosis of rabies and preventing rabies.

Educating ourselves is the key to prevention.