Introduction
In the spring months each year the reports of rabies in wild and domestic animals dramatically increase. Skunks are the primary source of rabies in Northeast Texas including around the Metroplex. Recent notices from the Texas Department of Health contain reports of 5-6 positive rabies cases in skunks per week from the small towns around Dallas/Fort Worth. Bats are also a source of rabies in our area and are an even greater problem around Austin. There have been 3 human deaths in Texas since 1990 due to the bat variant of rabies. In past years coyotes have been a serious reservoir of rabies in South Texas and along the Texas-Mexico border but have been less of a problem so far this year due to an extensive program using an oral vaccine distributed in baits dropped from planes. Rabies is also frequently seen in raccoons and foxes.
Protect Yourself
Never approach or handle any wild animal especially the species listed above. Wild animals should normally be afraid of people and are generally not going to be active during daylight hours. A skunk or coyote that is walking around in the daytime and does not run away when it sees people should send up a red flag and animal control should be notified. Any bat that is found on the ground at any time should not be touched. Contrary to popular belief, a bite is not required to transmit rabies. Most of the people who receive post exposure treatment for rabies have not been bitten but have handled an animal that either tested positive for rabies or could not be tested because it escaped. Never take a chance with a potentially deadly virus like rabies.
Protect Your Pet
All adult dogs and cats are required to have a rabies booster each year. Kittens and puppies are required to have a rabies vaccine by the time they are 4 months old. This is a Texas state law. Other states with less of a rabies problem may not require the same frequency of vaccination. If your pet has an encounter with one of the species of animals that are of high risk for having rabies in Texas (bats, skunks, raccoons, foxes, and coyotes) and the biting animal is available for testing, it should be submitted for testing. Contact animal control or your veterinarian for details on testing. If the test is negative, no further action is necessary. If the biting animal is not available for testing, the incident should be regarded as a potential exposure to rabies. Post exposure prophylaxis in animals depends on whether the dog or cat is currently vaccinated. If currently vaccinated, the animal should immediately receive a rabies booster and be placed in strict isolation for 45 days (at home is adequate). If not currently vaccinated, the animal should immediately be vaccinated against rabies, placed in strict isolation for 90 days (at home is adequate), and given booster vaccinations during the 3rd and 8th week of isolation. In either case, you should be report ANY unusual behavior in the pet to your veterinarian.
Conclusion
Be safe and never touch any wild animals, especially skunks and bats. Keep your pets current on their rabies vaccine. Report any contact between your pet and a wild animal to your veterinarian. Report any abnormally acting wild animals to your local animal control officers. |
