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May rabies clinics set for 11 locations
by Staff
Wilkes and Forsyth counties led the state in 2008 in confirmed cases of rabies as each reported 32 confirmed cases.
As a result, countless unvaccinated cats and dogs had to be put to sleep and many people had to undergo expensive preventive treatments for rabies.
Officials of the N.C. Division of Public Health and Wilkes County Animal Control are urging people to avoid these problems by vaccinating their pets against rabies.
Wilkes County Animal Control director, Junior Simmons is reminding residents that rabies shots will be offered for $7 each at local rabies clinics which will be held in May.
On Tuesday, May 5, 6:30-7:30 p.m., rabies clinics will be held at the following locations:
• The Southeast Wilkes Community Center on Hunting Creek Road;
• Millers Creek Elementary School;
• Mount Pleasant Elementary School;
• Traphill Elementary School;
• Ronda Clingman Elementary School;
• Mountain View Elementary School.
On Saturday, May 9, rabies clinics will be held at the following locations at the times listed below:
• Animal Hospital of Wilkes, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Elkin Veterinary Hospital, 9 a.m.-noon.
• Riverview Animal Hospital, 8 a.m.-noon.
• State Road Animal Hospital, 8 a.m.-noon.
• Wilkes Veterinary Hospital, noon-2 p.m.
"The simplest and easiest way to protect you, your family and your pets from this deadly disease," said Simmons, "is to get your pets vaccinated against rabies."
In Wilkes County, Simmons reported 32 rabid animals in 2008. There were 18 rabid skunks, 12 raccoons, one cow, and one dog.
There have already been five rabies cases identified in Wilkes during the first three months of 2009. Simmons added, "Rabies cases usually peak in the summer months. Most rabies cases occur in wild animals, particularly skunks and raccoons. Often these wild animals expose domestic animals like cats and dogs.
"If the domestic animal hasn't been vaccinated against rabies, then state law requires it be put to sleep or quarantined. In many cases, humans are exposed to rabies, either through direct contact with a rabid wild animal or through contact with an unvaccinated pet after exposure," said Simmons.
Rabies is transmitted through contact with the saliva or nervous tissue of an infectious animal, usually through a bite. There is no post-exposure treatment for unvaccinated dogs and cats, and they are required to be destroyed or quarantined at the owner's expense for six months. The cost to quarantine an animal for six months is approximately $1,500 compared to the cost of a rabies shot, which is $10-15 from the local veterinary office. Vaccinated animals need to receive a booster shot within 72 hours of exposure to a suspected rabid animal at a cost of $10-15.
Bats are also rabies carriers and often enter structures as the females prepare to give birth in June and July. Bat proofing your home in the winter will prevent the establishment of maternity colonies or roosts in your home during spring. If you find a bat in the living space of your home, where it may have come in contact with you, do not release it outside. Contact animal control so that the animal may be collected for rabies testing. This may eliminate your need to receive rabies post exposure treatment.
Exposed or potentially exposed humans should receive immediate medical attention. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) states that any wounds from an animal bite or non-bite (contact with saliva or spit) should be immediately washed, and medical attention from a health care professional should be sought considering the need for rabies vaccination.
"If a person is in doubt, it is best to have the bite examined," said Simmons. "Once humans develop symptoms, the disease is 99.9 percent fatal."
For more information, contact the Wilkes County Animal Control Office at 903-7688 or contact the Wilkes County Health Department at 651-7450. |
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