September 28 is World Rabies Day.   Other than pictures of rabid dogs and knowing it's often fatal, what else do you know about rabies?

Rabies is a virus transmitted in the saliva from infected mammals.  Common carriers of the virus are bats, raccoons, skunks, foxes & coyotes.  Dogs, cats, ferrets, and large animals such as cows and horses can also become infected with rabies.  And, of course, people.

The rabies virus travels through the central nervous system to the brain and is nearly 100% fatal.  Common signs of rabies include drooling/hypersalivation/foaming at the mouth, unsteady on the feet/staggering, a nocturnal animal being out during the day, a wild animal hanging close to people, aggressive behaviors, and fear of water.  Know, too, that animals that appear healthy could already be infected, and just not yet showing signs.  Being what it is, rabies is taken very seriously by public health officials and health care workers, including those in the field of veterinary medicine.

Bats are the #1 carrier of rabies in central Ohio, including Franklin County.  So far in 2014, Franklin county has had 1 case of rabies in a bat (4 cases in Delaware county).  In 2013, Franklin county saw 5 rabid bats (1 case in Pickaway county), with 2 in 2012 (1 each in Madison & Pickaway counties) & 6 in 2011 (1 case each in Madison & Fairfield counties).  In 2013, 3 cats tested rabies positive in Trumbull county, and Summit county reported 1 case of rabies in a dog in 2011.

Bats are everywhere, in the city & in the country.  These little creatures can swoop in an open door unknowingly, or slip through very small spaces into homes.  And a moving creature is always an object of interest to pet dogs and cats.

Because of this, and fact that rabies is easily spread among species, most counties have laws regarding vaccines and reporting animal bites.

Franklin County law states that all dogs, cats and ferrets must be vaccinated for rabies.  This vaccine may last 1-3 years, depending on the manufacturer recommendations and animal vaccine history.  All vaccinated animals receive a certificate of vaccination and a tag, both of which must be kept as proof as vaccination.

We often hear from pet owners that their house cats don't need rabies vaccines.  However, we've heard many stories of bats slipping in undetected and later found, that test positive for rabies.  Unvaccinated animals, including healthy indoor only cats, have been euthanized and tested due to risk of exposure and public health.  In these cases, vaccinated animals would be quarantined for a period of time to watch for signs of rabies, and likely have their rabies vaccine boostered.

Would you want to risk the health and life of your beloved furry friend?  Make sure your dog, cat (yes, even indoor cat!!), and ferret are up to date on their rabies vaccination today! 

Suburban Animal Clinic is located in West Columbus off I-70 near I-270.  Suburban Animal Clinic serves Galloway, Hilltop, West Side, Georgesville, West Jefferson, Grove City, Grandview, Upper Arlington (including OSU Campus area), Hilliard and Dublin.

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