Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, December 28, 1993 TAG: 9312300038
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-6 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: New River Valley bureau
DATELINE: PULASKI LENGTH: Medium
That is an increase over 1992 when the region had a total of 19 cases.
It has been nearly 20 years since rabies has been so high in the region, when it was primarily spread by foxes. The present culprits seem to be skunks and raccoons.
Pulaski County officials area advise citizens to avoid undomesticated animals, particularly those that seem to be acting strangely, and to teach their children to do the same. The rabies virus can be passed to people and household pets.
Vaccination of dogs and cats is the best defense against this disease, according to health and animal control officers. The officers should be notified when pets have been bitten by strays or wild animals, even if no human contact is made with the animal.
Animal control officers for Pulaski County can be contacted at 674-8359 during working hours and, for emergencies after hours, through the Sheriff's Department at 980-7800.
But County Administrator Joe Morgan said officers are limited in what they can do. With more than 200,000 acres in the county and only two officers, he said, they must prioritize their work.
They do not routinely pick up sick dogs, cats or wild animals, for example, unless there has been contact with a person or pet.
Dogs in the county are required to be licensed and, to get a license, must have had their rabies shots.
As a convenience, the county is selling dog tags through participating veterinarian offices so people can have their pets vaccinated and licensed in one stop. Licenses also can be purchased at the treasurer's office. The deadline for buying them is Feb. 1.
State law requires that domesticated cats also be vaccinated against rabies.
by CNB