Take steps to avoid rabies
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Recently there was a rabies scare in Missoula County which many of us heard about in the news, and is still affecting the movement of some animals (including pets) in and out of Missoula County.
Rabies is a viral disease that affects warm-blooded animals including humans, dogs, cats, ferrets, foxes, skunks, bats and others. It is mostly spread by an infected animal biting or scratching another animal.
The disease causes brain inflammation and can lead to other symptoms such as violent movements, fear of water, confusion, loss of consciousness and death. Diagnosis is hard as it cannot be done until symptoms are advanced.
Dogs are the most common transmitter of rabies worldwide, but in the U.S. less than five percent of cases are attributed to dog bites; bites from bats are more common.
Annually rabies is responsible for between 26,000 to 55,000 deaths globally – close to 95 percent of these in Asian and African countries. To avoid possible contamination, do not touch wild animals or unknown dogs, especially if they have unusual behaviors. Instead, notify law enforcement or animal control. Most people working or living in a high-risk environment, such as areas with large bat populations, frequently get a vaccine to protect them.
So, although rare, people can be exposed to rabies, but our pets are at a higher risk of exposure. Part of your routine pet care should include discussing vaccinations with your veterinarian to keep everyone safe and protected. Keep records of your pet’s vaccinations and follow through with an annual visit to your veterinarian.
States vary in their requirements of administering the rabies vaccine to pets. In Montana this can only be done by licensed veterinarians. Usually the initial vaccine is given between 4 to 6 months of age (talk with your veterinarian about their recommended age), the first vaccination being for one year and then a booster good for three years.
So let’s keep everyone safe. Vaccinate your pets and avoid high-risk situations.
