Indiana Residents Being Made Aware of Animals With Rabies
INDIANAPOLIS (18 October 2006)’This week’s announcement of the first human case of rabies in Indiana since 1959 should serve as a reminder to pet owners that rabies can affect their animals, too. Protecting their health is easy, safe and reliable. ‘Vaccination is the first line of defense,’ says Dr. Sandra Norman, a veterinarian and director of Companion Animals for the Indiana State Board of Animal Health. ‘Vaccination is so important that state law requires all dogs, cats and ferrets older than 3 months of age be vaccinated against the disease, even those that never go outside. Many owners of indoor-only cats believe vaccination is not necessary; however, that line of thinking is short-sighted.
‘Bats are the number one source of human exposure to the rabies virus,’ Dr. Norman explains. ‘All too often the bats that test positive have found their way into someone’s home. That leaves vaccination as a pet’s only protection.’ Unvaccinated pets, if bitten by a rabid animal, must be euthanized or strictly quarantined for 6 months. To avoid that outcome, a licensed and accredited veterinarian should administer the vaccine. Bats are not the only wildlife of concern. Though less common in Indiana, skunks and raccoons are also known to carry the virus in some regions. Contact with all wildlife should be avoided particularly any exhibiting strange behavior. ‘People should not panic about the presence of a bat or other wildlife,’ adds Dr. Norman. ‘But they should remember to exercise caution and use common sense in contact situations.’
Dr. Norman offers some tips on reducing the risk of rabies for pets: Keep a pet’s rabies vaccination up-to-date. One-year and three-year duration products are available. A veterinarian can recommend which is best for an individual animal’s situation. Do not feed or handle wild animals. Secure any trash and pet food in animal-proof containers. Contact a veterinarian if a pet is bitten or attacked by a wild or stray domestic animal. The pet will need a rabies booster, if the animal is determined to be rabid. Wash wounds in running water for 10 minutes immediately. Seek medical care right away. Cats or dogs that play with or carry bats in their mouths are also at risk. If possible, the bat should be tested for rabies. If a pet or person is bitten or scratched by a wild or stray animal or a pet, attempt to confine the animal, if it can be done without risk. Always wear leather or latex gloves when handling animals with possible exposure (dead or alive). Rabies is a virus spread primarily through the bite or scratch of an infected animal. To date, Indiana has had 13 bats test positive for the rabies virus.
