THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, January 11, 1996 TAG: 9601100144
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 07 EDITION: FINAL
LENGTH: Medium: 55 lines
The week of Jan. 15-20 has been designated as ``Rabies Awareness Week'' for the Western Tidewater Health District.
This effort to alert the public to the dangers of rabies is being promoted by the Virginia Veterinary Medical Association, the Virginia Animal Control Association and the Virginia Department of Health. During this week, cat and dog owners in the area will be able to get their pets vaccinated against rabies at a reduced fee.
In Suffolk, Franklin and the counties of Southampton and Isle of Wight, veterinarians will offer the vaccinations for $6. The shots are available at the veterinarians' offices during normal hours.
The health department is concerned about the spread of rabies, particularly in raccoons, over the past several years. The disease has spread gradually southward from Northern Virginia and has been present in the Western Tidewater area since 1989. A rabid cat was identified in Suffolk during December of that year. Since that time, 57 animals have been confirmed as having the disease in the Western Tidewater Health District.
Because of exposure to rabid animals, 90 people have had to receive rabies vaccine. In 1995, there were 458 confirmed cases of animal rabies in Virginia. Twenty-seven cats were positive for rabies, which is an increase from past years. In Western Tidewater, nine animals tested positive for rabies in 1995 - two cats, one skunk and six raccoons. Twenty-five people received post-exposure treatment.
``The most important measure to prevent human rabies is to ensure that all pets are vaccinated against the disease,'' said Dr. Sujata C. Buck, M.D., M.P.H., medical director for Western Tidewater Health District. ``Since we are much more likely to be in physical contact with our pets than with wild animals, our pets can provide a buffer between rabid animals and ourselves. To further protect us against rabies, we should always avoid wild animals.''
Dr. Buck stressed the importance of getting cats as well as dogs vaccinated. In recent years, more cats have tested positive for rabies than dogs. It is state law that cats be vaccinated against rabies.
To lessen the threat of rabies, Dr. Buck recommends these additional guidelines be followed:
Do not keep wild animals as pets.
Do not approach an injured or sick animal that is unknown to you. Call an animal control officer.
Wash bite wounds with soap and water. Call your physician or local health department for advice on treatment.
If possible, confine an animal that has bitten a human. Call an animal control officer or the police to pick up the animal.
Report to animal control any animal acting strangely.
Don't leave garbage or pet food outside. It may attract wild animals. by CNB