Rabies
Rabies:
This
disease is caused by a virus found in the saliva of infected animals
and is transmitted to pets and humans by bites, or possibly by contamination
of an open cut. Treatment of an infected person is critical. Untreated,
rabies causes a painful death. Most animals can be infected by the
virus and can transmit the disease to man. Infected bats, raccoons,
foxes, skunks, dogs or cats provide the greatest risk to humans.
Have your pets vaccinated against rabies. Any pets that come in
contact with wild animals are at risk. Many local health departments
conduct public vaccination clinics for dogs and cats. Your veterinarian
can also vaccinate your pet against rabies.
During
recent years, confirmed cases of rabies in cats have exceeded the
reported cases in dogs in some parts of the United States making
vaccination and booster shots critical to your health and that of
your pets. If your cat or dog has been bitten or attacked by a wild
animal or has bites or scratches of unknown origin, call your local
health department or animal control officer to report the incident.
If your cat or dog has bitten a person, call your local health department
or animal control officer to report the incident.
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