[Press Release] : Rabies cases in animals on the rise in Missouri: reminder to keep pet vaccinations updated

[pr-l at news.gocolumbiamo.com]

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 19, 2006

CONTACT: Heather Baer
         (573) 874-7632

Rabies cases in animals on the rise in Missouri: reminder to keep pet
vaccinations updated
									
	(COLUMBIA, MO) - The Missouri Department of Health and Senior
Services (DHSS) released a public health advisory for rabies in
Missouri. An unusually high percentage of rabid animals have been
detected so far this year in Missouri, including three domestic animals.
Locally, the Columbia-Boone County Health Department (CBCHD) has
reported four bats testing positive for the rabies virus in 2006 (all
have been reported in September).
	In 2005, a total of 73 rabid animals were detected in Missouri,
including 54 bats, 17 skunks, one dog and one horse. The state has
averaged 42.5 rabid animals per year over the past 10 years, primarily
involving bats and skunks, but also including domestic species such as
cats, dogs, cattle, horses and one goat. Statewide so far this year, 54
rabid animals have been detected, including 44 bats, seven skunks, two
horses and one cow.
	Rabies is a disease of mammals and is transmitted primarily
through bites. Over 90 percent of reported rabies cases are wild animals
commonly seen in neighborhoods and backyards, such as bats, skunks and
foxes. The most important thing people can do to prevent themselves or
their animals from becoming infected with rabies is to have their pets
vaccinated. Vaccinated pets are the barrier between those animals and
loved ones and public health experts want pet owners to know that by
protecting their pets they also are protecting their loved ones.
	It is also important for children to be reminded not to touch or
try to play with any wild animals and to stay away from stray domestic
animals, especially if they are behaving as if they are wounded or ill.
Pet owners should also keep a close eye on their pets, especially those
that are let outside without supervision for any length of time. Pet
owners should contact a veterinarian immediately if a pet has been
bitten or directly exposed to a wild animal or stray domestic animal, or
if the pet’s health or behavior changes without other explanation.
	Community Prevention
*	Ensure dogs, cats, and ferrets are up-to-date on rabies
vaccinations.  Vaccinations are also available for horses, cattle and
sheep. The effectiveness of animal vaccines is the main reason for the
nationwide decline in rabies cases among people and domestic animals.
*	Keep pets under control; do not allow them to run loose.
*	Avoid contact with stray pets and wild animals; do not keep wild
animals or wild animal crosses as pets.
*	Report wild animals exhibiting unusual behavior or stray pets to
animal control officials.
	For more information on rabies go to www.dhss.mo.gov. To report
stray or sick animals call the CBCHD Animal Control office at (573)
449-1888.	


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