Rabies
October 13, 2008
The Threat of RabiesRabies is a threat in our area. There are strains of the virus found in bats, fox, raccoons and skunks. Any of these strains can be transmitted to dogs and cats. Any mammal can contract rabies but certain animals are more susceptible. The bites of squirrels, hamsters, guinea pigs, gerbils, chipmunks, rats , mice or other rodents and rabbits are generally not a threat for transmitting rabies.
What to look out for in your pets
Watch for a change in attitude or erratic behavior such as biting and snapping or biting at cage bars. Physical findings can be a dropped open jaw, inability to swallow, hypersalivation and fever. Risk factors include exposure to unvaccinated cats, dogs or wildlife (see above) Watch for unusual behavior in wild animals such as coming out of hiding during the day, no fear of humans, acting very sluggish or acting overly friendly.
Monitoring
If an unvaccinated dog or cat has wounds from an unknown animal, it needs to be quarantined for 6 months in order to watch for symptoms. If an apparently healthy dog or cat bites or scratches a human, it should be monitored for 10 days. Signs of rabies in the animal should show within that time.
The only test for rabies is performed on brain tissue after the animal’s death. The most important thing you can do is vaccinate your cats and dogs. It protects them and they are the protective barrier for the family from the outside world of potential rabies carriers.
By the way, September 28th was World Rabies Day. This disease is a major problem all over the world where dogs and cats are strays, not pets.
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