Rabies

2 Pages 403 Words

Rabies can infect any mammal including humans, but wild raccoons, foxes, skunks, and bats are the most common carriers of rabies and the most likely animals to expose your pets to this deadly disease.
Rabies is a virus that effects the brain and spinal cord. It is transmitted when body fluids especially saliva of an infected animal touch the broken skin or mucus membranes, mouth, nose or eyes of other animals or people. Once infected, animals can carry the virus for six months before showing any symptoms. See below for a list of symptoms.
Remember, there is no cure for rabies once an animal or human shows symptoms. Because of the seriousness of this disease, it is important for people to learn everything they can do to minimize their chances and their pets of becoming infected.
Firstly, all contact with wild animals, especially bats, skunks, foxes and racoons should be avoided by you and your pets. People should not handle baby or injured wild animals and pets should not be allowed to roam at will or hunt. Scrupulous attention should be paid to vaccination expiration dates. An animal whose vaccination has expired has no more protection against rabies than an animal who has not been vaccinated at all! Dogs and cats should be vaccinated against rabies beginning at twelve to sixteen weeks followed by a booster 9 months to one year later. Boosters are then given every 1-3 years (depending on the vaccine and local laws). Dogs and cats are required by law to be vaccinated for rabies. In the face of an all out epidemic other domestic and farm animals can be vaccinated also.
If you are bitten or scratched by an animal who seems ill, seek immediate medical attention. If your pets come home with injuries suggestive of a fight with another animal call your vet as soon as possible.

Just a few things to look out for.
Vague changes in temperment.
May hide and shun company.
May be unusually attentive and affectionate.
Animal must be...