Rabies is Preventable

Rabies is a preventable viral disease that can affect humans and animals.  In animals once gotten the disease is fatal.

Rabies is spread in this area mostly by bats or skunks; however any warm blooded mammal can contract rabies.  This includes our precious companion animal.  Because of this you should never touch or handle a bat, skunk, or any other wild animal and you should have your pets vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian.  The vaccine is given every 1 – 3 years depending on the type of vaccine used and the laws of the state and county.  

Rabies causes acute encephalitis.  In animals the first sign of rabies may be non- specific and include lethargy, fever, vomiting and anorexia.  The signs will progress within days to cerebral dysfunction, cranial nerve dysfunction, ataxia, abnormal behavior, aggression, self- mutilation and eventually death.

If you or your pet are bitten by a stray animal, wild animal or a bat you should immediately wash the area with soap and water.  Then you should contact your doctor or veterinarian and health department, they can guided you with what to do next.

For more information about rabies you can go to  HYPERLINK "http://www.cdc.gov/rabies/" http://www.cdc.gov/rabies/ or you can contact us with any questions you may have about your pets.