THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, September 5, 1996 TAG: 9609050002
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Editorial
LENGTH: 51 lines
Rabies continues its relentless march through Virginia, infecting hundreds of wild animals - primarily raccoons and skunks - which then spread the deadly virus to domesticated animals and humans.
Hampton Roads, which for rabies-tracking purposes includes the Eastern Shore, is particularly hard hit.
``Rabies is totally out of control down here,'' says Bo Bolshazy, one of Norfolk's rabies-prevention coordinators. ``Unfortunately, there's no end in sight.''
To get an idea of how the rabies threat is growing, Bolshazy points out that in the decade from 1980 to 1990 only seven rabid animals were found in this area.
So far this year, 77 animals have tested positive for rabies in Hampton Roads.
Statewide it's the same story. In 1991, 253 cases of rabies were recorded in Virginia. So far this year, 391 cases have been reported in the commonwealth.
Rabies isn't just a disease of raccoons and dogs, either. Cows, horses, goats, sheep, fox, otters, skunks and ferrets are among the most recent victims.
Last week a rabid raccoon attacked a dog in the Alanton area of Virginia Beach. The diseased animal was found within one mile of four schools.
Everyone must take the threat of rabies seriously. Two of the best ways to slow this epidemic are to vaccinate all pets against rabies and be vigilant about keeping shots up to date. Children should be cautioned against having any contact with wild animals and warned to avoid any stray dog or cat, no matter how friendly it appears.
As suburbia continues to encroach on the natural habitat of wild animals, raccoons, opossums and skunks will find their hunting grounds transformed into back yards. These wild animals are drawn to neighborhoods by unsecured garbage cans and pet bowls.
Experts warn that if a raccoon is spotted during daylight hours - raccoons are nocturnal by nature - take cover and telephone animal control immediately.
The rabies virus can infect most warm-blooded animals. It enters the body and travels through the central nervous system to the brain, where it causes swelling and death.
Foaming at the mouth and erratic behavior do not always accompany rabies infection. The only way to positively identify the presence of rabies in animals is to study the brain tissue.
Rabies is a risk we run by living in close proximity to wild animals. Everyone in Hampton Roads should be aware of this killer in our midst and ensure that pets are vaccinated against the disease. by CNB