Walnut Cove, North Carolina Call us: (336) 593-5422
Latitude 36 Mobile Veterinary Services
E-mail: lat36vet@aol.com
(copy & paste this address into your mail program)
Virginia Department of Health ● 109 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219 ● www.vdh.virginia.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 12, 2012
For More Information Contact: Robert Parker, public information officer, Western Region, 540-381-7100, ext. 151
RABID HORSE CONFIRMED IN PATRICK COUNTY
(STUART, Va.) – A horse from southern Patrick County, near Route 8 and the North Carolina state line has tested positive for rabies. This is the first confirmed rabid animal in Patrick County in 2012.
Rabies continues to be present throughout Virginia. In Patrick County, five animals tested positive for rabies in 2011 (two skunks, one each fox, raccoon and cat) and six animals tested positive for rabies in 2010 (three foxes, one each raccoon, bat and skunk). Since 2006, the number of confirmed animal rabies cases has ranged from 564 to 730 each year, statewide.
“This is a reminder that rabies is a real threat in our area,” said Gordon Green, MD, director of the West Piedmont Health District. “Although raccoons, skunks and foxes are the animals that most frequently contract rabies any mammal, including livestock, can be infected by the virus. Virginia law requires rabies vaccinations and boosters for dogs and cats four months old and older. Vaccines also are available for ferrets and livestock, so owners should check with their veterinarian for the most appropriate vaccine and vaccination schedule to protect their animals.”
Rabies is almost always fatal. The rabies virus is present predominantly in the saliva and nervous tissue (brain and nerve cells) of infected animals and is transmitted most often by a bite. It also can be transmitted when saliva or nervous tissue gets into open cuts or mucus membranes, such as the eyes, nose and mouth. Rabies causes an inflammation of the brain and is almost always fatal once symptoms develop.
When a person or animal is exposed, timely treatment is effective in preventing the development of rabies. Contact your doctor or veterinarian immediately to discuss treatment. For animals, depending on their vaccination status and likelihood of exposure, strict isolation for up to six months may be required.
The best ways to prevent the spread of rabies are:
• Vaccinate all dogs, cats and ferrets by four months of age, by a licensed veterinarian, and keep vaccinations current;
• Enjoy wildlife at a distance;
• Secure your yard and home and eliminate possible sources of food, water and garbage that can attract wildlife and other animals;
• Do not allow your animals to roam free;
• Avoid contact with stray animals;
• If you are bitten or exposed to rabies, wash the wound thoroughly with lots of warm water and soap and seek medical attention immediately; and
• Vaccinate selected livestock, as recommended by your veterinarian.
For more information, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/Epidemiology/DEE/Rabies or call the West Piedmont Health District at 276 -638-2311.
