FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Dee W. Jones, DVM, (334) 206-5969
Homer S. Bruce, DVM, (334) 745-0060
A cat with rabies has uncovered 4 members of a household from Hurtsboro in Russell County and 11 workers members at an Opelika veterinary hospital.
In addition, a raccoon with rabies in Lee County has uncovered one individual. The commonest variant present in home animals is the raccoon variant. Rabies infections in raccoons are widespread in some areas of Alabama, together with Russell and Lee counties.
State Public Health Veterinarian Dr. Dee Jones stated, “Vaccinating your animals against rabies is the best way to keep your pets protected from the deadly virus.” He provides, “Animal vaccinations additionally assist shield individuals, who many occasions are uncovered when the animal first turns into sick and earlier than rabies may be confirmed, simply as with this recent case in a cat.”
The cat in query was a stray which attacked the proprietor’s canine, and the person was uncovered at the moment. The cat was subsequently offered to the native veterinary hospital and was positioned in quarantine. The cat died and examined constructive for rabies on Friday, August 11.
One individual within the clinic was bitten and 10 have been uncovered not directly. All 15 individuals who have been uncovered have been despatched to East Alabama Medical Center for post-exposure prophylactic remedy for rabies and had been handled as of the night of August 11.
Dr. Homer S. Bruce, Lee County rabies officer, stated, “The key here is that all of the owner’s pets had received a previous rabies vaccination, and all have received rabies booster vaccinations post-exposure. Rabies vaccinations are so important in protecting your pets from rabies and thereby protecting humans from exposure through their pets.”
Alabama legislation requires all dogs, cats, and ferrets to be vaccinated at 3 months of age and yearly thereafter until they obtain a 3-year rabies vaccine. The first rabies vaccination is barely good for one 12 months no matter which vaccine a pet receives.
Rabies prevention is multifaceted. It entails individuals taking precautions with wildlife, ensuring that their pets are present on rabies vaccinations, and all the time reporting an animal chunk or different exposures to their medical supplier and the Alabama Department of Public Health. In addition to vaccination, space residents are suggested to take the next precautions to keep away from attainable exposures to rabies:
* Do not enable pets to run free, confine inside a fenced-in space or with a leash.
* Do not depart uneaten pet meals or scraps close to your residence.
* Do not illegally feed or preserve wildlife as pets.
* Do not go close to wildlife or home animals which are performing in a wierd or uncommon method.
* Caution kids to not go close to any stray or wild animal, no matter its conduct.
“I ask everyone to please check their pet’s rabies vaccination status and to get them boosted immediately if they are not up to date,” Dr. Bruce stated. “Lastly, stray animals hanging around your property can expose you, your children, your pets, and your livestock to rabies. Please contact your local animal control agency for assistance with stray animals on your property. As always, please be ever vigilant and aware of wild animals hanging around and/or acting out of place on your property.”
Contact your veterinarian if you happen to can not decide your pet’s vaccination standing. Please name (334) 745-0060 when you’ve got questions. Contact your veterinarian if you happen to can not decide your pet’s vaccination standing. Please name (334) 745-0060 when you’ve got questions.
For extra info, go to alabamapublichealth.gov/infectiousdiseases/rabies.html.
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8/16/23
County well being departments all through Alabama present a variety of confidential {and professional} providers. Contact your native county well being division for extra info.
Mission: To promote, shield, and enhance Alabama’s well being
Vision: Healthy People. Healthy Communities. Healthy Alabama.
