RABIES UPDATE - USA: MAY 2010 ************************************************** A ProMED-mail post ProMED-mail is a program of the International Society for Infectious Diseases In this update: [1] Aurora, Colorado [2] Palm City, Martin County Florida [3] Detroit suburb of Royal Oak, Michigan [4] Piscataway, Middlesex county, New Jersey [5] Royal Oak and Southfield, Oakland county Michigan [6] Howell County, Missouri; Oregon County, Missouri [7] Marion County, Florida [8] Henry County, Virginia [9] Windsor area, California ****** [1] Aurora, Colorado Date: 13 May 2010 Source: Aurora Sentinel [edited] Another case of rabies indicates larger problem, health officials say --------------------------------------------------------------------- County health officials have confirmed that a skunk that was shot and killed 5 May 2010 on private property in Adams County on was infected with rabies. The resident of the property shot the skunk after seeing the animal exhibiting abnormal behavior. There was no known human or animal exposure to the disease. This was the 3rd confirmed case of rabies in the last 2 months, according to the Tri-County Health Department. On 15 Mar 2010, health officials confirmed that a skunk near Parker was infected with rabies and on 9 Apr 2010 a horse that died in eastern Arapahoe County was also confirmed to have the disease. The horse had been exposed to local skunk populations and 8 people risked exposure during the incident and had to receive vaccinations (post-exposure prophylaxis). Health Department Executive Director Richard Vogt said the cases confirm that rabies is spreading through the skunk population in rural areas and that it is moving closer to the metro area. "The nature of rabies is that it actually kind of moves in over a period of several years. After it starts to move in it sticks around for many years, unfortunately. It becomes a longer range problem," he said. "It is more important than ever that pets stay current on their vaccinations. That is the easiest way to control the problem in the Denver Area," said Cheryl Conway, a spokeswoman with the city of Aurora Animal Care Division. Vogt also recommended that horse and cattle owners talk to their veterinarians about livestock vaccinations. Anyone who thinks they have seen an animal infected with rabies is asked to contact the Aurora Animal Care Division or their local animal control agency. [Byline: Caddie Nath] -- Communicated by: ProMED-mail <[log in to unmask]> ****** [2] Palm City, Martin County Florida Date: 24 May 2010 Source: TC Palm.com [edited] Palm City bobcat 1st Martin County rabies case this year -------------------------------------------------------- A bobcat that scratched a horse last week has tested positive for rabies. The horse will be placed in quarantine for 6 months. The attack occurred on 21 May 2010 on Cherokee Street. This is the 1st case of rabies in Martin County this year. Last year [2009], 3 animals tested positive for rabies, including a bobcat, a raccoon and a fox. Rabies is a virus that is transmitted from the bite or scratch of a rabid animal. Any mammal can get rabies. The most common carriers of rabies are raccoons, skunks, bats, foxes and coyotes. Domestic mammals can also get rabies. Cats are the most frequently reported rabid domestic animal in the United States. -- Communicated by: ProMED-mail <[log in to unmask]> ****** [3] Detroit suburb of Royal Oak, Michigan Date: 18 May 2010 Source: WDIV Detroit [edited] 2nd Skunk Tests Positive For Rabies in Oakland County ----------------------------------------------------- Authorities are advising pet owners to vaccinate their pets and remain on guard after 2 skunks captured in a Detroit suburb tested positive for rabies. The most recent skunk that tested positive for rabies was found near 12 Mile and Woodward Avenue. Larry Obrecht, division manager for Oakland County Animal Control, said a positive test on an animal like the ones recently trapped in Royal Oak and later euthanized is not unusual. He told The Daily Tribune of Royal Oak that skunks, bats and raccoons are carriers of the untreatable disease that affects the central nervous system and brain, causing malaise then abnormally hyperactive behavior. Obrecht said pet owners should call animal control officials if they see nocturnal animals acting unusually during the day. He said parents also should talk to children about staying away from wild animals. -- Communicated by: ProMED-mail <[log in to unmask]> ****** [4] Piscataway, Middlesex county, New Jersey Date: 25 May 2010 Source: NJ Today [edited] Rabid Raccoon Found In Piscataway --------------------------------- The Middlesex County Public Health Department is reporting that a raccoon tested positive for rabies in Piscataway, in the vicinity of River Road and Maplehurst Lane. This is the 9th rabid animal reported within Middlesex County for 2010 and the 1st rabid animal reported in the municipality of Piscataway. On 20 May 2010, the Piscataway Animal Control Officer responded to a report that a raccoon was observed on a resident's property. The resident reported that the raccoon fought with and was subsequently killed by the resident's pet dog. The raccoon was sent to the New Jersey State Department of Health Laboratory for testing and it was reported today that the animal tested positive for rabies. The resident's pet dog was up to date on its rabies vaccination. As a precaution, the Middlesex County Public Health Department advised the owners to consult with a veterinarian to receive a booster vaccination and to place the dog under a 45-day observation period. The owners of the dog also were advised to speak to a physician regarding exposure to the animal. Additionally, the department is distributing rabies advisory flyers and fact sheets in the area. The Middlesex County Public Health Department continues to monitor rabies cases within the County. Residents should report wild animals showing signs of unusual behavior to their local Animal Control Officer. Additionally, it is recommended that residents should avoid contact with wild animals and immediately report any bites from wild or domestic animals to your local health department and consult a physician as soon as possible. Finally, be sure that all family pets are up to date on their rabies vaccinations and licenses. -- Communicated by: ProMED-mail <[log in to unmask]> ****** [5] Royal Oak and Southfield, Oakland county Michigan Date: 23 May 2010 Source: Home Town Life [edited] Local rabies cases prompt call for caution ------------------------------------------ Recent cases of rabies -- 1 each in Royal Oak and Southfield -- are prompting the Oakland County Animal Control Division to remind pet owners to have their pets vaccinated against the disease, and for residents to be cautious around wild or stray animals. A skunk found in the City of Royal Oak was tested 14 May 2010 for rabies after it displayed neurological signs common to the disease. The Oakland County Animal Control Division was notified 17 May 2010 that the skunk tested positive for rabies. Another recent case involved a dog in the Southfield area that returned home with an injury, became ill and had to be euthanized. The dog tested positive for a rabies strain found in skunks. Rabies is an infectious disease that affects the nervous system of humans and other mammals, according to the Oakland County Health Division. People and unvaccinated animals get rabies from the bite of an infected animal, or if saliva from the animal gets directly into a person's eyes, nose, mouth or any break in the skin. The vaccine is given to at-risk individuals to prevent the disease. Rabies is nearly always fatal if not treated after exposure. "This is why it is so important to have your family pets vaccinated for rabies," said Lawrence Obrecht, division manager of Oakland County Animal Control. "Cats, dogs and even horses have the potential of coming into contact with wild life. Skunks and bats are known carriers of rabies and should be avoided. Keeping your pets' vaccines up-to-date ensures your pet is protected." For more information about rabies, visit the Oakland County Health Division website at . -- Communicated by: ProMED-mail <[log in to unmask]> ****** [6] Howell County, Missouri; Oregon County, Missouri Date: 26 May 2010 Source: Area Wide news [edited] Rabid skunks continue to be found in the Ozarks region ------------------------------------------------------ Arkansas and Missouri health officials are on alert as rabies cases in both states begin to rise. The most recent cases reported in both states occurred in skunks Howell County Health Department officials have confirmed a 9th case of rabies within the county this year, just 4 miles west of West Plains. The rabid skunk had exposed the virus to 3 vaccinated dogs, which are now being kept in a 45-day quarantine. In Oregon County, Oregon County Health Department Administrator Sheila Russell says only one case, also involving a skunk, has been reported so far, but residents need to take precautions to prevent exposure of a loved one or family pet. "This is a problem with a very simple solution -- vaccinate your pets," said Russell. "We can't control the wild animals that share our country living with us, but we can protect our families and our pets by having them vaccinated. If someone does get bitten, the costs for treatment can run from USD 600-700, where a rabies shot for your pet is less than USD 20." Russell pointed out that if your animal became infected and bit someone else, you would be left holding the bill for their medical treatment. "You are responsible for your animal," said Russell. "Take advantage of our scheduled clinics, or make an appointment today to get your animals vaccinated. When it comes down to it, like the old saying says, 'An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.'" Rabies is a viral disease of mammals and is transmitted primarily through bites. Annually, 7000 to 8000 rabid animals are detected in the United States, with more than 90 percent of the cases in wild animals. Rabies is found naturally in Missouri, occurring primarily in bats and skunks, although other animals are also found rabid each year, including domestic species such as dogs, cats, horses and cattle. Although rabies is transmitted to humans almost entirely through bites from rabid animals, contamination of open wounds or mucous membranes with saliva or nervous tissue from a rabid animal could potentially constitute an exposure. Rabies in humans is almost invariably fatal. Fortunately, human deaths in the United States have become relatively rare because: (1) effective vaccinations have been available for dogs and cats since the 1950s, (2) public health practices such as animal quarantine and testing are aggressively pursued, and (3) improved anti-rabies shots have been developed for persons exposed to rabies. Tragically, in 2008, a human rabies fatality occurred in Missouri in an individual who did not seek medical advice or treatment following a bat bite. Before this, the last human rabies infection in the state was reported in 1959. Effective rabies vaccines are available for dogs, cats, ferrets, sheep, cattle, and horses. Vaccination of cats and dogs is crucial, since vaccinated pets are a protective barrier between the people who own and interact with them and rabid wild animals with which the pets might have contact. Dogs and cats whose owners consider them to be "indoor animals" should also be vaccinated because these pets often have exposures to other animals, either by the dog or cat being unintentionally released to the outdoors, or by wild animals such as bats getting into the house. Vaccinations must be administered by a licensed veterinarian. Primary and booster vaccinations should be obtained in accordance with recommendations from licensed veterinarians and in accordance with local animal control ordinances. There is no post-exposure treatment available for animals as there is for humans. The incubation period of rabies in people is also variable (depending upon factors such as the site and severity of the bite), but averages 3 to 8 weeks. Following an exposure to rabies, there is normally a window of opportunity (usually measured in days) in which the patient can receive a series of shots to keep him/her from developing disease. Once symptoms begin, the outcome is almost always death. Early symptoms of rabies often include sensory changes at the site of the bite (numbness or tingling), fever, headache, and a general feeling of discomfort. As the infection progresses, the patient may exhibit excitability, anxiety, aerophobia (abnormal aversion to air in motion), and hydrophobia (abnormal fear of water). Other neurological symptoms may include mental confusion, paralysis, delirium, and convulsions. Without medical intervention, death usually occurs within 2 to 6 days. With medical intervention, the course of disease may be prolonged to several weeks before death ensues. The diagnosis of rabies in humans may be complicated since other diseases that affect the brain produce similar symptoms. Diagnosis is also difficult in the early stages of disease when tests for rabies may not yet be positive. Specimens obtained for testing include saliva, blood, cerebral spinal fluid, and biopsied nerve tissue. The following actions should be taken if a person is bitten or otherwise possibly exposed to a rabid animal: Domestic animals: Identify and, if possible, confine the biting animal. Dogs, cats, and ferrets may be quarantined for 10 days (if healthy and depending on other circumstances), or they may be euthanized and tested for rabies. Other domestic animals are handled on a case-by-case basis. Wild animals: Identify and, if possible, confine the biting animal for rabies testing. No quarantine period is recognized for wild animals. After being bitten, wash the wound immediately and thoroughly with soap and water for 10 to 15 minutes. Consult with a physician to: (1) check the tetanus immunization status, (2) determine if antibiotic treatment is needed for bacterial infection, (3) determine if other medical procedures are necessary, such as sutures in the case of disfiguring wounds, and (4) have a rabies risk assessment accomplished, including determining if the anti-rabies series of shots is warranted. There is a lot that Missourians can do to prevent a rabies infection. * Ensure dogs and cats are up-to-date on rabies vaccinations. Vaccinations are also available for ferrets, horses, cattle and sheep. The effectiveness of animal vaccines is the main reason for the nationwide decline in rabies cases among people and domestic animals. * Keep pets under control; do not allow them to run loose. * Avoid contact with stray pets and wild animals; do not keep wild animals or wild animal crosses as pets. * Report wild animals exhibiting unusual behavior or stray pets to animal control officials. Children suffer a disproportionate number of bites from animals, often resulting in serious injury to the face, head and neck. The following tips can help children avoid being bitten, and the resulting physical/mental trauma and potential exposure to rabies and other diseases that accompany bites: * Never touch unfamiliar or wild animals. Enjoy wild animals from afar. * Avoid direct contact with stray animals. Stray cats and dogs may not have been vaccinated against rabies. * Never adopt wild animals or bring them into the home. * Do not try to nurse sick animals back to health. It is common to want to rescue and nurse a hurt wild animal, but that animal may have rabies. Ask an adult to call an animal control officer or animal rescue group for help with the sick animal. * Make sure that trash cans and pet foods are secured so that they do not attract wild animals. * Do not disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies. * If bitten, report the bite to an adult immediately. [Byline: Niki de Soto] -- Communicated by: ProMED-mail <[log in to unmask]> ****** [7] Marion County, Florida Date: 27 May 2010 Source: Ocala.com [edited] Rabies alerts issued in Marion County ------------------------------------- The Marion County Health Department has issued 2 rabies alerts for different parts of the county. One is for a location centered around Northeast 310th Avenue and Lake George. That alert is in response to a positive laboratory result from a raccoon. The other involves a rabid horse. That alert location is centered off Northwest 90th Avenue just south of County Road 318. Residents in the area are advised to: - Avoid contact with free roaming domestic or wild animals. - Not leave pet food outside - Secure outside garbage in covered containers. - Contact veterinarian to make sure dogs, cats and ferrets have current rabies vaccination. -- Communicated by: ProMED-mail <[log in to unmask]> ****** [8] Henry County, Virginia Date: 28 May 2010 Source: Martinsville Bulletin [edited] County woman bitten by rabid fox -------------------------------- Tests have confirmed that a fox that bit a woman in the Preston area of Henry County on Tuesday [25 May 2010] was rabid, the Henry/Martinsville Health Department said Thursday [27 May 2010]. The woman, who was not identified, was bitten on the foot, according to a news release. Her dog was also bitten by the fox during the incident, the release said. The fox was killed by the victim's neighbor and sent to the state laboratory in Richmond for rabies testing, the release said. The health department received the test results Thursday confirming that the fox was infected with rabies. Anyone who knows of or suspects any contact by humans or domestic animals with this fox is asked to contact Henry County Animal Control. The victim has begun rabies post-exposure treatment, according to the release. It did not contain information about her dog. Prevention is the key to limiting the spread of this disease, the release said. It offered these tips as the best ways to prevent the spread of rabies from animals to humans: - Vaccinate all dogs, cats and ferrets by 4 months of age by a licensed veterinarian, as required by law. - Enjoy wildlife at a distance. - Secure your yard and home. - Do not allow your animals to roam free. - Avoid contact with stray animals. - If you are bitten or exposed to rabies, wash the wound thoroughly with lots of warm water and soap and seek medical attention immediately. For more information, visit . -- Communicated by: ProMED-mail <[log in to unmask]> ****** [9] Windsor area, California Date: 27 May 2010 Source: The Press Democrat [edited] Rabid fox attacks Windsor-area residents ---------------------------------------- An aggressive wild fox that was killed Sunday [23 May 2010] after it bit several people and pets near Windsor tested positive for rabies this week, local public health officials said. The fox was 1st spotted Sunday morning and had 4 separate encounters that day with residents and pets in a small area near the intersection of Arata Lane and Brooks Road, just north of Windsor. Mark Netherda, the county's deputy public health officer, said the fox is the 1st animal to test positive for rabies in the county since October 2008, when a bat was found to have the disease. "It was shot," said Netherda. "It started that morning and the fox was killed by early afternoon." A total of 8 people had contact with the fox, and at least 2 of them were bitten by it, he said, adding that the fox kept running at people and attacking. "It wasn't clear after the events were over -- people found marks that they couldn't say were not bites," he said. "We think that at least 2 individuals were probably bitten." Sonoma County Animal Care and Control has quarantined several pets that encountered the fox. Netherda said the incident is not an indication that rabies is on the rise in the county, but it is a reminder that rabies is always present in local wildlife, particularly among bats, raccoons, skunks and foxes. "Never assume an animal is not rabid. Including feral cats," Netherda said. Netherda said those who were bitten have received medical treatment. "Based on what we know of the contacts and the medical evaluation that they've had, there's no reason to think there will be any long-term consequence to any of these individuals," he said. Netherda said the incident is a reminder for people to have their pets vaccinated against rabies. "If an unvaccinated pet is bitten by an animal that is determined to have rabies the recommendation is to euthanize the pet," he said. Otherwise, he said the pet must be kept "double-locked quarantine" for 6 months at the owner's expense. For more information about rabies please go to the Sonoma County Animal Control website: . [Byline: Martin Espinoza] -- Communicated by: ProMED-mail <[log in to unmask]> [In each of these cases there are some central truths: Rabies is a fatal disease. The best way to prevent the disease is: - Make sure your pets are up to date with their rabies vaccinations. - Do not feed or handle wild animals. If you see an animal acting strangely. - If you get bitten by an animal, wash the wound with soap and water for at least 5 minutes and see a doctor. - Do not touch dead animals with bare hands. Use gloves to remove and dispose of the animal properly. - Never handle a wild animal like a bat, raccoon, skunk or fox. - Teach children never to handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly. - Prevent bats and raccoons from entering homes or spaces where people and pets may be present. - Keep vaccinations current for dogs, cats and ferrets. Keep cats and ferrets inside and dogs under direct supervision. Consider having your pets spayed or neutered. - Keep vaccinations current for horses and other hoofed stock pets. - If bitten by a wild/stray animal, quarantine the animal if possible. Call the local animal control to assist with trapping, testing and/or observation of the animal. Animal control may also assist with removing stray or wild animals from your yard, home or neighborhood regardless of a bite. - Wash animal bites thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical attention immediately. - Mod.TG] --- This e-mail is from the [log in to unmask] list. 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