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What you need to know about rabies: part 2
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Make sure you vaccinate your pets
Now you know about the symptoms of rabies, you know which animals are most likely to be at risk for having this deadly virus and how these animals may or may not act. The next step is understanding prevention.
The animals that carry rabies are ever present in Florida. You should take precautions to prevent attracting wild animals to your home and teach your children to respect strange domesticated animals.
Dogs are the number one cause of animal bites. May 10-16, 2009 is National Dog Bite Prevention Week, and the sponsoring agencies offer several good tips for you and your children.
The Florida Department of Health gives the following recommendations on how to protect your family and pets from rabies:
• Make sure you have your dogs, cats and ferrets vaccinated against rabies, and to follow your veterinarian’s instructions for revaccination.
• If you have a farm or ranch, ensure your horses and cattle are also vaccinated.
• Avoid contact with wild animals, never feed wild or stray animals
• Do not leave your pet’s food outside. Keep lids on garbage cans.
• If you have a pet door, ensure that it can be closed at night (skunks are notorious for coming into homes this way).
• Do not allow your pets to run free. Follow leash laws.
• If your animal is attacked by a wild, stray or unvaccinated animal, DO NOT examine your pet for injuries without wearing gloves. Wash your pet with soap and water to remove saliva from the attacking animal. Do not let your animal come into contact with other animals or people until the situation can be dealt with by Animal Control or the County Health Department.
Next I’ll discuss what to do if you’re bitten by an animal.
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