Just last week I was at the vet’s office and talking to our veterinarian about rabies in our area. We’re having a severe drought right now and, because of that, the number of rabies cases has risen as animals congregate around extremely limited pools of water. As we approach World Rabies Day, it was an important reminder that this terrible disease remains a worldwide threat.
When is World Rabies Day?
World Rabies Day is held every year on September 28.
Created by the Global Alliance for Rabies Control, World Rabies Day works to bring about awareness of the sources of rabies in humans and animals and to provide information on how to prevent exposure.
More than 55,000 people die from rabies each year, mostly in Africa and Asia in areas where little medical care exists. The largest source of rabies in humans around the world is due to uncontrolled rabies in dogs, and children are most at risk for being bitten.
According to Kristin Herman from the Pennsylvania Veterinary Laboratory, rabies in 2010 in Pennsylvania occurred mostly commonly in raccoons by a large margin, but what may surprise many people is that cats tied skunks for second highest number of positive cases.
How to Prevent Rabies
Simple tips to prevent rabies include:
- enjoying all wildlife from a distance
- never leaving garbage or pet food bowls outside
- vaccinating your pets
- not letting pets roam outside
A common misconception is that you will be able to spot an animal with rabies, but obvious signs like foaming at the mouth may never occur, so it is wise to use caution with any unknown animals.
Importance of Keeping Your Cat’s Rabies Vaccination Current
We live in the country and, every summer, we hear rabies reports. Fox, skunk, raccoon, coyote, and bat cases seem to be the most common but, just yesterday, we heard a scary story from our neighbor, a local veterinarian. A dog that later tested positive for rabies was treated in her veterinary clinic, a reminder of how very important it is to make sure your cat–and all your pets–are current on their rabies vaccine.
Even if your cats are strictly indoors-only, it’s all too easy for a cat to suddenly run out of your house. A quick dog bite or your cat stumbling upon a diseased bat could cost your cat his life.
Although many people are looking for every way possible to save money, skipping a rabies vaccine is not the way to trim costs. If money is tight, call your local shelter and ask if they know of a low-cost immunization clinic. It’s an investment in both your cat’s and your family’s health.
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