CSA is responsible for keeping strays, lostpets and wildlife for over 75% of Warren County’s population. We, along with the Animal Health Center (Dr. Blease), occasionally encounter animals with Rabies.
Once the rabies virus enters the brain of any mammal, including humans, death always occurs within 10 days. The one known exception is bats. Bats can carry and transmit the virus for long periods of time without dying.
The rabies virus is usually transmitted from the saliva of the carrier. In the US the most commonly affected animals are raccoons and bats, but other affected animals include but not limited to: foxes, coyotes, groundhogs, skunks, dogs, cats, deer and an occasional horse or cow.
Over the years we (CSA, Dr Blease) have seen several cases of rabies and two local people have died. One in Africa (playing with rabid puppies) and the other was knowingly bitten on the toe by a bat in Georgia, and took no action. World wide rabies kills over 55,000 people every year due to poor understanding, lack of available vet care, and bands of wild dogs.
The best way to prevent rabies is to vaccinate all pets, including cats. Avoid confrontations with wild life, especially raccoons and bats. Educate children and teach them the importance of reporting any bites or contact with wildlife. Recently a young girl, while camping with her parents, picked up a bat, was bitten but did not tell as she did not want to get in trouble (avoid wildlife) and later died.
Another local man was bitten on his back by a bat. He called his hospital and was told wash the wound and it probably would not get infected. Fortunately he killed the bat, ignored the emergency room phone advice and called his veterinarian. The bat had rabies, but he took the prevention vaccines and survived.
So far this month (September 2014) we had two rabid incidences. A groundhog attacked a person. The animal was captured and the head was removed, transported to the NJ Laboratory, and proven to have rabies. The second incident was a cat that attacked and bit a person that was in the process of rescuing her. The cat was brought to the office in “full attack mode”, slobbery saliva everywhere and the cat had rabies. In a few days several people were exposed, fortunately the proper protocol was followed.
One of the worst exposures was when a kitten was found, taken to their veterinarian and then went to a rescue. Shortly thereafter the kitten was adopted and had contact with 28 children and people before being diagnosed with rabies.
One of the greatest dangers is people not taking rabies seriously. Dr. Blease was bitten viciously on the arm by a rabid kitten. The kitten was only brought to the office because it had a wound to the head and one of Dr. Blease’s friends took it away for a man and his grandson, because they thought he was not treating the kitten properly. None of the people had any idea what they were dealing with or what they were exposing their loved ones to.
It is vitally important that any person bitten by a dog, cat or wild life notify the proper authorities. Bites are reported to doctors and hospitals but non-the-less, the victim or responsible persons must report the bite to health officials and their veterinarian. All veterinarians are fully aware of the dangers of rabies and who to notify.
The most obvious sign of rabies is a change in behavior. Wild animals become friendly, and friendly animals may become aggressive. I have seen rabid raccoons go into peoples homes and even climb into dog pens looking for food. Raccoons, skunks, and possums are frequently seen side by side with an outdoor cat eating the cat’s food. If ever a raccoon is seen attacking a cat (especially in broad daylight) it should be captured or killed. If the animals needs to be shot, never shoot it in the head as the brain is needed for testing.
All bat encounters are particularly dangerous because of the high incidence of rabies in bats and their small teeth. If possible, the bat should be captured and tested. Most people bitten by bats should take the vaccine regardless. Any wild animal bite on the head, ears or neck leaves little time to quarantine or test an animal. Always, always notify health officials and a doctor.
Fortunately there are excellent protocols for rabies exposure and when followed, rabies can be avoided. If an animal (except bats) is quarantined for 10 days and lives, it cannot have had rabies to transmit at the time of the bite. Rabies can only be transmitted to others through saliva the last 10 days of their life. Please take all bites seriously and avoid all wildlife. When in doubt, seek professional help.
Oct 10 2014
