One of the more frequent questions asked by our clients is whether their pet really needs a rabies vaccine. The short answer: yes. And here’s why. Vaccination is still the best method we have for preventing this fatal disease. Rabies is a virus that attacks the central nervous system of most mammals, usually transmitted by the bite of a rabid animal. The first signs of rabies are not specific and include fever and lethargy. Nervous system signs follow shortly. Excess salivation and difficulty swallowing are classic signs. Death can occur within days.
In the United States, aggressive vaccination against rabies in pets has shifted the main source of rabies from dogs to wildlife, primarily raccoons, skunks, bats and foxes. Bat rabies is usually the most common form seen in Colorado but, since 2008, there has been a large increase in terrestrial rabies. This year there have already been 231 rabies positive animals with 72 humans, 197 pets and 72 livestock animals exposed.
So, yes. Please keep your companion animals (dogs, cats & horses) vaccinated as recommended by your veterinarian. If you or your animal is bit, contact the appropriate family doctor or the local health department immediately.
~ Rebecca Ruch-Gallie, DVM, MS, is the Service Chief at Colorado State University’s Community Practice & Shelter Medicine Clinic. For pet care information, please visit their website at http://csu-cvmbs.colostate.edu/vth/small-animal/community-practice or call 970-297-5000.