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Rabies! Instantly we picture a fearsome dog, foam slathering from its mouth as it prepares to attack. Here in North America we are extremely lucky. Vaccinations have practically eliminated the threat of rabies from our domestic animals. Further, ongoing programs are attempting to halt the spread of rabies among wildlife. If we have done such a great job, then why should we continue to be concerned and vaccinate our pets? Are we still in danger from our ancient foe? The simple answer is a resounding YES! 55,000 people die from rabies each year around the world, mainly in Asia and Africa. This is unfortunate because with prompt medical care, rabies in humans is 100% preventable. An even sadder fact is that a good percentage of those deaths are children.
More than 100 children die from rabies worldwide every day. Overall, one person is killed by this disease every 10 minutes! Rabies is a viral disease that can affect any warm-blooded animal, but our close association with dogs brings this killer home to our families. Our vaccine programs have caused the number of rabies cases to virtually vanish in the West and the Centers for Disease Control even declared canine rabies “extinct” here in the US. But because of the serious public health risk, pet owners should avoid becoming complacent about vaccines, especially in light of the CDC announcement. There is a huge reservoir of rabies among wildlife and it is not unimaginable that those strains could infect our pets. The ease of world travel could allow someone to unknowingly bring home a rabid pet.
Here in the United States, more than 20,000 prophylactic doses of human rabies vaccines are given annually. The goal is to eradicate terrestrial rabies as quickly as possible. We need to raise awareness and help people understand how they can help eliminate this threat. Keeping yourself safe from rabies is easy by following these steps. First, stick to your veterinarian’s guidelines as well as your local ordinances with regards to vaccinating your pet. Laws vary so be sure you understand your responsibility. Second, avoid contact with wildlife. Rabies still exists in large reservoirs in wild animals. Be especially wary of bats. Most human rabies cases in North America are the result of a bat bite. Finally, encourage neighbors and fellow pet owners to vaccinate all of their pets. Modern medicine has almost succeeded in solving the rabies problem, but it is not gone yet!
To learn more about rabies and its effects on pets and people, visit www.MyVNN.com for important pet health videos.
Sara Lash, DVM
Healthy Pets Mobile Vet
www.drsaralash.com
919-329-7387 (PETS)
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