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Sleuth the Reporter Dog isn’t afraid of many things, but Rabies is one disease that makes him put his tail between his legs!! Sleuth’s buddies at the Veterinary News Network have found a few tips to help keep you and your family safe from this dreaded disease.
1) Rabies is a viral disease of warm-blooded animals. Although rare in our pets, large reservoirs of rabies exist in wild animals.
2) Raccoons, foxes, skunk and bats are the most common carriers of rabies.
3) Without prompt medical treatment and a prophylactic vaccine, rabies is invariably 100% fatal in people.
4) More than 55,000 people worldwide, mostly children, die from rabies each year. Asia and Africa have the largest mortality rates.
5) Luckily, here in North America, fewer than ten human cases are reported each year. Most human cases here are associated with bats.
6) But, vigilance is still essential. With rabies rampant in wildlife, there is a big concern that our pets could become infected.
7) Follow the advice of your veterinarian and your local laws pertaining to rabies vaccinations.
8) Never attempt to handle wild animals without professional help.
9) World Rabies Day happens in September each year. Look for local activities and see how you can help to eradicate this terrible disease.
10) Be sure to bookmark www.MyVNN.com as your source of trusted, accurate and up-to-date pet health information.
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