With warmer weather, more people will begin outdoor activities and the risk of contact with an animal infected with the rabies virus increases. Incidences of rabies exposure usually start in April and continue rising through the summer months.
Richland Public Health is issuing a reminder for all pet owners to make sure their cats, dogs, and ferrets are vaccinated against rabies. Keeping vaccinations up-to-date for all cats, dogs, and ferrets is important not only to keep your pets from getting rabies, but also to provide a barrier of protection for you if a rabid wild animal bites your pet.
To encourage the immunization of dogs and cats, Drs. Henry and Jody Akers and Dr. Laurie Hickox will be conducting a free rabies immunization clinic, Saturday, May 10. The clinic will be held at the Premier Office Complex, 1456 Park Ave. West, Mansfield, between noon and 2 p.m. Visit www.richlandhealth.org to learn about clinic procedures.
“Last year we had 531 contacts [inspections, investigations or consultations] concerning rabies,” said Matt Work, Director of Environmental Health at Richland Public Health. “Dogs are the most frequent investigation calls, but we have higher risk factors associated with feral cats and wild animals like bats and skunks.”
Work added that everyone should be cautious around stray dogs and cats as they may not be vaccinated and could be infected by the disease. No one should ever approach a wild animal, especially one that is acting in a strange manner.
“Parents should take particular precautions by teaching their children, even their toddlers, not to approach strange dogs, cats, or other animals,” Work said. “Children are the most frequent victims of animal bites. Wild animals may look cute but don’t take the risk of being exposed to rabies by being bitten or scratched.”
If you or your child becomes a bite victim, treat the wounds with soap and water. Professional medical advice should be sought immediately to evaluate the risk of rabies or other infections. All bites or possible exposure must be reported to Richland Public Health (419-774-4500).
For further information, and information on the free rabies clinic on May 10, contact the Environmental Health Division at Richland Public Health by calling 419-774-4520. Additional information about rabies is also available at www.richlandhealth.org and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website.