Tomorrow, September 28th, is annual World Rabies Day.  Organized by the Global Alliance for Rabies Control, this day is set aside to spread the word and educate the world about rabies.  Rabies is a virus that affects the neurologic system of mammals.  How much do you really know about rabies?  Are your pets protected?  Are you and your family protected?  Did you know that more than 55,000 people die around the world every year from rabies?!

    In the US, we often forget how serious the rabies virus really is.  It is no longer a part of our day to day lives.  But it remains a large problem in certain parts of the world, especially third world countries.  Most human deaths due to rabies occur in Africa and Asia.  A lack of preventive medical care for humans and animals, funding for vaccination programs, and education all contribute to this worldwide problem.

     In most states, including Indiana, rabies vaccination of dogs and cats is required by law.  This is for good reason.  According to the World Rabies Day website, the most important global source of rabies in humans is from uncontrolled rabies in dogs.  The reason we don't live with rabies on a day to day basis any more in the US is widespread and proper vaccination of our pets!  However, we have not eliminated this virus in the US completely.  Because any mammal can become infected with the rabies virus, wildlife have become important vectors for this disease.

     In the US, the most important rabies wildlife vectors are bats, raccoons, skunks, foxes, and coyotes.  Here in the midwest, our rabies problem is mostly with bats, raccoons, and skunks.  However, ANY mammal can contract rabies.  Feral or outdoor cats and dogs are at risk of contracting rabies from wildlife.  Does your dog chase (or even catch?) wildlife that come into the yard?  We have had many canine patients at our Noah's hospitals that have come into direct contact with these vectors.  Because the rabies virus is most often contracted through fight and bite wounds from an infected animal, this is important for you and your family!

     The single most important thing you can do to protect your pets and your family from rabies is to have your dogs, cats, and ferrets properly vaccinated against the rabies virus.  If your pet gets into a fight with or kills a wild animal, and your pet is not vaccinated properly against the disease, he or she is at risk of contracting rabies.  If your pet contracts rabies, you and your family are at risk.  The only known test for rabies is by postmortem examination, and there is no cure for rabies in humans or animals once symptoms develop.

Vaccinating dogs in Liberia World Rabies Day 2010

     Other steps you can take to protect your family from rabies include:

1) Report any animal bite (including dog and cat bites!) to local health authorities
2) Seek immediate treatment of any bite at a hospital - if exposed to the rabies virus, EARLY treatment can prevent the disease
3) Do not touch or "adopt" wildlife that comes into your yard
4) Secure outdoor garbage bins and feed your pets indoors to prevent attracting wildlife to your yard

     Looking for more information about rabies?  Check out the Indiana Board of Animal Health website.