Friday, January 13, 2012
A horse from southern Patrick County near Route 8 and the North Carolina state line has tested positive for rabies.
This is the first confirmed rabid animal in Patrick County this year, according to a Virginia Department of Health news release.
Additional details about the horse were not available Thursday night.
Rabies continues to be present throughout Virginia. In Patrick County, five animals tested positive for rabies in 2011 (two skunks, one each fox, raccoon and cat) and six animals tested positive for rabies in 2010 (three foxes, one each raccoon, bat and skunk), the release stated.
Since 2006, the number of confirmed animal rabies cases has ranged from 564 to 730 each year statewide.
“This is a reminder that rabies is a real threat in our area,” said Gordon Green, MD, director of the West Piedmont Health Districk. “Although raccoons, skunks and foxes are the animals that most frequently contract rabies, any mammal, including livestock, can be infected by the virus. Virginia law requires rabies vaccinations and boosters for dogs and cats 4 months old and older. Vaccines also are available for ferrets and livestock, so owners should check with their veterinarian for the most appropriate vaccine and vaccination schedule to protect their animals.”
Rabies is almost always fatal, the release stated. The rabies virus is present predominantly in the saliva and nervous tissue (brain and nerve cells of infected animals and is transmitted most often by a bite. It also can be transmitted when saliva or nervous tissue gets into open cuts or mucous membranes, such as the eyes, nose and mouth. Rabies causes an inflammation of the brain and is almost always fatal once symptoms develop.
When a person or animal is exposed, timely treatment is effective in preventing the development of rabies. Contact your doctor or veterinarian immediately to discuss treatment, the release recommended. For animals, depending on their vaccination status and likelihood of exposure, strict isolation for up to six months may be required.
The best ways to prevent the spread of rabies are:
- Vaccinate all dogs, cats and ferrets by 4 months of age, by a licensed veterinarian, and keep vaccinations current;
- Enjoy wildlife at a distance;
- Secure your yard and home and eliminate possible sources of food, water and garbage that can attract wildlife and other animals;
- Do not allow your animals to roam free;
- Avoid contact with stray animals;
- If you are bitten or exposed to rabies, wash the wound thoroughly with lots of warm water and soap and seek medical attention immediately; and
- Vaccinate selected livestock, as recommended by your veterinarian.
For more information, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/Epidemiology/DEE/Rabies or call the West Piedmont Health District at 638-2311.
From www.martinsvillebulletin.com
