World Rabies Day is September 28th. Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that affects a mammal’s nervous system. It also kills nearly 70,000 people worldwide every year. This virus is secreted in saliva and is usually transmitted to other animals or people through a bite by an infected animal.
Only mammals can get rabies. It is seen in wildlife such as: bats, skunks, raccoons, foxes and coyotes. In recent years, cats have become the most common domestic animal infected with rabies. This is because many cat owners do not vaccinate their cats for rabies. Rabies can also occur in dogs, cattle, horses, goats, sheep, swine and ferrets.
Animals infected with rabies develop a variety of signs including fearfulness, aggression, excessive drooling, staggering, paralysis and seizures. Rabid animals can also become overly affectionate. Rabies infection should be considered in all cases of unexplained neurologic abnormalities. There is no treatment once clinical signs appear, and infection can only be confirmed after death. If a person is bitten they should seek medical attention immediately!
Rabies is entirely preventable through vaccination. Have your veterinarians at Oconomowoc Animal Hospital vaccinate your dogs and cats. The first time an animal gets a rabies vaccine it is good for one year. Afterwards, the vaccine is valid for three years, according to Wisconsin state law.
Rabies vaccination and animal control programs have significantly reduced the number of animal and human cases of rabies in the United States. However, if you notice a wild animal acting strangely, report it to your city or local health department/animal control immediately. Do NOT handle or approach the animal. Every year numerous positive rabies cases are report in the state of Wisconsin, mostly in bats.