Rabies

There is a lot of general information to learn about rabies. First of all, rabies is a virus that is fatal to all mammals, with no known cure once clinical signs of the disease start to appear in the individual. It causes encephalitis, so neurological signs are what we see when it occurs. Sometimes if shots are started immediately after exposure, they may be able to stop the clinical disease. But once the symptoms start, the victim is dead within 10 days. Rabies is a virus that is spread through the saliva of an infected animal. Raccoons, skunks, bats and foxes are the most common carriers in our area. And we do have it in this area: Pennsylvania had 385 cases of rabies in 2012. In York County alone we had 24! The virus enters the body through open wounds, like bite wounds (which is the most common method) or through scratches, cuts or even the mucous membranes of the eyes or mouth. So if you or your pet comes in contact with a stray or wild animal, such as that fox you saw running through your yard, don’t touch it...even if it’s just laying there. If it has rabies, and its saliva comes into contact with your body, you may have exposed yourself to rabies. Call 911 if you’re concerned. You also don’t want your pet to come into contact with a wild or stray animal that may be carrying rabies. Please make sure all pets are current on their rabies vaccine. It is very effective in preventing the virus. If your pet isn’t current, the law may require you to quarantine your pet for 10 days to 6 months, or worse, to have your pet euthanized. The authorities take the threat of this disease very seriously! Please be careful and make sure all your pets are vaccinated for rabies.