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Rabies infected dog enters NJ via Iraq
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Dog affected by Rabies
Rabies, a fatal virus which affects the central nervous system, was recently isolated from a dog brought to New Jersey from Iraq as part of a program to reunite US soldiers with potentially adoptable pets found in Iraq. The dog came to the United States along with 23 other dogs, none of which had proper rabies vaccinations upon arrival. The dogs were also shipped with 2 cats, 1 of which was euthanized due to undisclosed illness. The Rabies infected dog was euthanized after it exhibited a series of physical and behavioral abnormalities consistent with Rabies. Diagnostic testing confirmed a Rabies strain found in Middle East canines.
The remaining dogs and cat received Rabies vaccination and are undergoing a quarantine period of 6 months. So far, none of the animals are showing signs clinical signs of Rabies virus infection.
Rabies virus clinical signs include:
- Behavior changes, such as withdrawing from interaction with other animals or people.
- Vocalization changes, due to the effects of the virus causing spasms of the laynx.
- Paralysis or weakness, seen as stumbling or difficulty walking.
- Difficulty foaming at the mouth, caused by the animals inability to swallow.
- Respiratory failure
- Death
Rabies is a disease that is preventable through vaccination. In California, dogs are legally required to have rabies vaccination by 6 months of age. A booster vaccination is given 1 year after the initial vaccination and a follow up booster is given 3 years later. Research showing longer term immunity than 3 years shows promising results that may someday prolong the recommended vaccination interval.
In Los Angeles County, the last reported case of rabies in a dog occurred in 1978, while the last reported case in a cat was in 1998. Besides these cases, all other cases since 1998 have been in bats.
Should you have a concern about Rabies and your pet’s health, please contact your veterinarian.
Thank you to Veterinary Forum November, 2008 edition for breaking this story.
For further links:
Los Angeles County Public Health
Photo credit:
Vaccineinformaton.org
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