Rabies Vaccinations for Pets Protect People Too

NASHVILLE — Spring is the time when many pet owners update the rabies vaccinations for their dogs and cats, and many clinics offer low-cost vaccinations. Not only are these vaccinations required by Tennessee law, but they are important for protecting both pets and human family members from rabies. The Tennessee Department of Health reminds Tennesseans that preventing exposure of people and their pets to the rabies virus is a priority.

“Our pets are more likely to come into contact with wild animals than people are. Protecting these pets with rabies vaccination can provide a barrier against rabies from wild animals,” said Health Commissioner Susan R. Cooper, MSN, RN. “Keeping our pets’ rabies vaccinations up to date is an effective and important way to protect both them and our human loved ones.”

Rabies is a virus transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal. Rabies infection occurs primarily in wildlife in Tennessee, but it can be transmitted to any mammal. Bites are the most common means of transmission; contact with saliva from an infected animal can also be a concern. Rabies can be prevented if treated promptly before symptoms develop, but left untreated it is nearly always fatal to humans and other mammals. So far in 2010, TDOH has confirmed rabies in 21 animals in 10 Tennessee counties. The cases include one dog, one raccoon, two bats and 17 skunks.

Humans can be exposed to rabies when attempting to assist, feed or handle wild animals. If a wild or domestic animal is seen as ill or acting strangely, it should be reported to your local animal control agency. Bats in particular should not be handled. If a bat is found inside, in a swimming pool or brought home by your pets, use precautions and consult your local health department. Additional information on bats is available at www.cdc.gov/rabies/bats/index.html.

“People, especially young children and teens, are curious about nature and animals, but wild animals and unfamiliar pets may pose a health risk to them,” said L. Rand Carpenter, DVM, public health veterinarian with TDOH. “It is important that parents and other adults educate children to observe wildlife from a safe distance and not touch any wild animals or unfamiliar domestic animals.”

Individuals can take the following actions to help prevent the spread of rabies:

• Keep vaccinations up-to-date for all dogs and cats, as required by Tennessee law and local ordinances. Many county health departments offer vaccination clinics in the spring.
• Keep your pets under direct supervision so they do not come into contact with wild animals. If your pet is bitten by a wild animal, seek veterinary assistance immediately.
• Keep children away from any wild or dead animals. Educate them not to touch or attempt to feed or handle any wild or unfamiliar domestic animals, especially those that appear to be sick or injured.
• Do not disturb bats. Instead, consult your local health department or animal control agency for assistance in dealing with potential exposure to bats.

For more information or assistance with a potential rabies exposure, call your local health department or the Tennessee Department of Health emergency line at 615-741-7247.