The number of rabies cases is down so far this year in Virginia. State Health Department officials have confirmed 327 cases; more than half of those were in raccoons. Other animals confirmed to have rabies were possums, bobcats, deer, groundhogs, bats, cats, skunks, foxes, cows, and dogs.
The Alleghany Health Department is joining local vets and other health departments throughout Virginia, urging pet owners to vaccinate their animals. State Public Health Veterinarian Julia Murphy says, "Vaccinating companion animals, such as dogs and cats, against rabies for their protection as well as the protection of family members is very important."
According to Dr. Murphy, the rabies virus is in the saliva of sick animals and, "If an animal bites you, wash the wound immediately. Call your physician, local health department or animal control agency immediately. Likewise, if your pet is bitten by a
wild animal, contact your veterinarian or local health department immediately."
Rabies is always fatal and some early warning signs include a change in behavior, loss of appetite, and fever.
This is Rabies Awareness Week, and some veterinarians may be offering low-cost rabies vaccinations. State law requires all dogs and cats over the age of four months to be vaccinated. The vaccinations will be considered one-year vaccinations unless proof of a current vaccination is provided.
During this week, the state Health Department is urging people to vaccinate all cats, dogs, and ferrets against rabies, and to avoid contact with wild animals or stray cats and dogs. Department officials say you shouldn't feed wild animals or stray cats and dogs and keep your pets confined to your property or walk them on a leash.
Officials say pet owners should remove outside food or water bowls because the pet can get rabies from the saliva of an infected animal such as a skunk or raccoon who drinks out of the same water bowl.
More information can be found by contacting the Virginia Department of Health.
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