Pet Care Tips
Rabies
Rabies is a virus that infects the nervous system leading to behavioral changes such as aggression. Transmission occurs via bite wounds or direct contact of infected saliva to open sores or mucus membranes. Many animals can carry rabies, including the skunk, bat and raccoon. Any of these animals can infect other mammals, including humans. Once symptoms appear the disease is nearly ALWAYS fatal. Treatment in humans is only effective if administered within DAYS of exposure. For this reason Ohio law requires ALL ANIMAL BITES be reported to the local health department within 24 hours. An average of three people die each year in the U.S. due to rabies, usually bat strains.
Rabies is 100% preventable. Vaccines against rabies are very effective. We strongly encourage all pets; dog, cat or ferret, indoor or outdoor, to be vaccinated. In 2008, 64 animals tested positive for rabies in Ohio, most of which were bats. Two of the bats were “local,” one in Wayne County and one in Holmes County. Due to the public health risk the law is very strict regarding what can happen if your pet is exposed or possibly exposed. A current rabies vaccine is required to obtain a dog license in most counties. If your pet is exposed to a wild animal, or bites a person, the law will require a quarantine period from 10 days to six months depending on the situation, ie. your animal's rabies vaccine status. You can read more about rabies in Ohio and see the requirements in their entirity at http://codes.ohio.gov/oac/3701-3-29.
