Question

What preventive measures would you take to stop the spread of rabies?

Answer 1

Rabies is a fatal disease transmitted from animals to humans, caused by a virus that attacks the central nervous system, causing convulsions, paralysis and finally death. The virus is present in the saliva of a rabid animal and is transmitted primarily by animal bites and rarely by contamination of open wounds, fresh abrasions or mucous membranes. All warm-blooded animals can be affected by the virus, but it is most often found in wildlife such as raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats. Dogs and cats may also contract rabies if they are not vaccinated against it.

Once signs of rabies appear, the disease is almost always fatal. However, rabies can be prevented if early treatment is administered. If in contact with an animal with possible rabies, you must contact the health department or a medical facility for advice on rabies prevention treatment. Treatment includes a first dose of vaccine and another protective injection. Then 4 more doses of vaccine are administered over 28 days.

However there are these following preventive measures to stop it spreading:

1. Vaccinate dogs and cats against rabies as required by law. All dogs and cats more than four months of age must be vaccinated against rabies. Keep vaccinations current at all times.

2. Keep dogs and cats under control.  Animal control laws prohibit allowing animals to roam unsupervised. Roaming pets are more likely to have been exposed to rabies than those supervised by their owners.

3. Leave stray or unknown dogs and cats alone. Loose animals are more likely to have been exposed to rabies and to attack others. Keep pets away from strays, too.

4. Leave wild animals alone. Avoid wild animals even if they appear friendly, and do not coax a wild animal to eat from your hand. Do not fear wild animals, just respect and stay away from them. Very young children can learn this rule.

5. Do not keep wild animals as pets. Even a raccoon or skunk born in captivity may be a rabies carrier. Local laws prohibit acquiring of keeping such animals as pets. There are no approved vaccines or known quarantine for wild animals.

6. Make your property unattractive to wild animals. Cap chimneys and seal off any openings in attics, under porches and in basements. Feed your pets indoors and keep trash cans tightly closed.