In about 10 months last year, there were 152 cases of rabies in California
Published in the March 19-April 1, 2014 issue of Morgan Hill Life
By Dr. Jeanne Haggerty-Arcay
Dr. Jeanne Haggerty-Arcay
Rabies is a rare but fatal brain disease. All mammals, including humans, can become infected with the virus. Although we do not see nearly as many cases in the United States as in other countries, it is still considered one of the most important zoonotic diseases (a disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans) and has been reported in all states except Hawaii. It is primarily spread via bites and common carriers include skunks, bats, raccoons, coyotes and foxes. Skunks and bats are the most common carriers in this region. According to the California Department of Public Health, from January until Nov. 8, 2013 there were 152 confirmed cases of rabies from 145 bats, five skunks, one cat and one dog. Seven of those bats were confirmed in Santa Clara County.
Since rabies poses such an important human health risk, a vaccination is strictly regulated. The first puppy rabies is good for one year then boostered every three years thereafter. Cats may be vaccinated every one to three years depending on the vaccine type. If an animal who is not current on his/her vaccine bites a human or another animal, the local government has specific quarantine/testing regulations that your veterinarian and local animal control officer must follow. The only available test to confirm rabies must be performed on the fresh brain tissue of a euthanized animal. The quarantine process can be very long (up to six months), inconvenient and stressful for both the owner and pet. If a human is bitten by an unvaccinated animal, not only does the animal need to be quarantined or tested (after humane euthanasia), but the human may need a series of rabies injections. Anyone who has been involved in a quarantine or who has received the rabies prophylaxis injections can tell you that staying current on the rabies vaccine would have been much easier.
Recent concern regarding over-vaccination raises the question of whether the rabies vaccine is really necessary. Yes, your apartment dog is unlikely to get rabies. But if your dog/cat is not current and bites someone or is bitten by wildlife, it can be a huge undertaking to deal with. The rabies vaccine is considered safe for most animals, although any vaccine has the risk of causing an adverse reaction.
TIPS TO HELP PREVENT RABIES
• Keep pet current on vaccine and have them wear a rabies tag.
• Keep pet away from wildlife and unfamiliar animals.
• Call animal control to handle stray animals and wildlife.
• Do not approach or pet unfamiliar animals.
• Do not handle/adopt wildlife.
• Teach your children about dog bite prevention safety.
• Keep your trash cans covered to avoid attracting wildlife.
If you want to learn more about rabies and bite prevention, visit the CDC at www.cdc.gov/worldrabiesday
Dr. Jeanne Haggerty-Arcay received her undergraduate degrees in Biology, Biochemistry and Spanish from the College of Notre Dame, Belmont. She graduated from U.C. Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. Raised in the Bay Area, she returned to practice. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and three young children, running, cycling and plans to return to her equestrian pastime in the near future.
