Last year I had a dog come in for a rabies booster – but this wasn’t just any rabies booster. This was a post exposure rabies booster. The dog’s entire family had potential contact with a bat that flew into their house and was inside for an unknown period of time. It was caught and subsequently tested positive for rabies. The entire family including several children under the age of two, four adults and their dog were potentially exposed. The dog was the only one that had a rabies vaccination (hence the booster). Everyone else had to undergo rabies prophylaxis – an expensive and painful treatment.
Why is this important? People always ask me why their pet needs a rabies vaccination. They worry about the cost, possible side effects, risks of over vaccinating or maybe they just don’t believe it’s needed. What do I tell them? That it’s a matter of life or death.
Unless you live in a part of the world where rabies has been eradicated (most of us don’t) at any time your pet could come in contact with a rabid animal in your own home or yard, on a walk, or even in unexpected areas. You might think I’m being alarmist. But I’ve seen it personally. I saved a friend‘s life because I insisted that we have the animal that bit her tested for rabies. One of my technicians had a rabid raccoon attack her animals and herself in her backyard. These aren’t just stories. They are the reality of one single veterinarian practicing in a suburban area of Tampa Bay. As a veterinarian, the health and safety of pets and the public is always my top priority. Rabies continues to be a critical public health concern in many parts of the world including the United States. This viral disease is not only fatal to animals but can also be transmitted to humans, making prevention absolutely essential.
Recent news out of Hillsborough County, Florida, my neighboring county, regarding a rabies alert, serves as a reminder that this threat is very real and can appear in our communities. This is not someone else’s problem. My own kids live within a couple of miles of the alert area when they’re not with me. How far do you think a cat can travel? Or a raccoon? They don’t have to hitch a ride in a garbage truck for it to spread like wildfire in the wild animal population. Any confirmed case of rabies in our vicinity should raise awareness and prompt us to take adequate measures to protect our pets and neighbors.
What is Rabies?
Most people of my generation and older know about Rabies because of the movie Old Yeller. Spoiler Alert: It didn’t have a happy ending. Rabies is a serious viral disease that affects the brain and spinal cord of mammals. It is typically transmitted through the bite of an infected animal but can potentially be spread through aerosolized saliva or brain tissue or by contact with bodily fluids in an open wound or mucus membrane. In Florida common carriers of rabies include raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, coyotes and feral cats. The recent case in Hillsborough County was in a stray cat. In the process it attacked and bit four people. Unvaccinated pets like cats and dogs can also contract the disease if exposed.
Immediate treatment is necessary if you are exposed. Once signs of rabies appear, the disease progresses quickly and is almost always fatal. The signs can vary but may include:
Behavioral changes: This can range from unexplained aggression and irritability to unusual tameness or lethargy. A normally friendly animal might become aggressive, or a typically shy animal might become overly affectionate. Nocturnal animals, such as raccoons may start wandering around in the daytime and appear sick or confused.
Excessive salivation (foaming at the mouth) and difficulty swallowing : This is a classic, though not always present, sign of rabies.
Paralysis: Starting in the limbs and progressing to other parts of the body.
Seizures: Uncontrolled electrical disturbances in the brain.
It’s crucial to understand that these signs can be subtle ant first and may be mistaken for other illnesses. This is why prevention through vaccination is so important.
The single most effective way to protect your cat or dog from rabies, and consequently protect your family, is through regular rabies vaccination. This is not just a recommendation; in many jurisdictions, including Florida, it is the law
Why is rabies vaccination important?
Immunity: The vaccine stimulates your pet’s immune system to produce antibodies that can fight off the rabies virus if they are exposed.
Public Health: Vaccinated pets act as a buffer, reducing the likelihood of the virus spreading to other animals and humans. A high rate of pet vaccination contributes to herd immunity, protecting even those animals that cannot be vaccinated
Legality: As mentioned, rabies vaccination is legally mandated in many areas to safeguard public health. Failure to comply can result in fines and other penalties.
Protection: If your vaccinated pet is ever bitten by a potentially rabid animal, the response protocol is significantly different (and less stressful) than for an unvaccinated animal. Unvaccinated animals exposed to rabies may face mandatory quarantine for an extended period or even euthanasia to prevent the spread of the disease.
The recent rabies alert in Hillsborough County should serve as a wake-up call for all pet owners. Now is the time to verify your pet’s rabies vaccination status.
Check That Your Pet is Up-to-Date!
Check your pet’s vaccination records: Locate the certificate provided by your veterinarian after your pet’s last rabies vaccination. This will indicate the date of vaccination and the expiration date.
Contact your veterinarian if you’re unsure: If you cannot find your pet’s records or are unsure when their next vaccination is due, don’t hesitate to call your veterinary clinic. We can easily check our records and advise you on the next steps.
Schedule an appointment if your pet is due or overdue: If your pet’s rabies vaccination has expired or is about to expire, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible. This is a quick and simple procedure that provides crucial protection.
Keep your pet’s vaccination certificate in a safe place: This document may be required in various situations, such as licensing your pet or if they are ever involved in a bite incident.
Protecting your pet from rabies is an important part of pet ownership. By ensuring your furry best friend is up-to-date on their rabies vaccination, you are not only safeguarding their health but also contributing to the safety of your family and community. Don’t wait for another rabies alert – take action today! If you have any questions or concerns about rabies vaccination, please don’t hesitate to contact our clinic. We are here to help keep your pets happy, healthy, and safe.
For more information contact your veterinarian or check out the following resources:
The Center For Disease Control
The Florida Department of Public Health
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
Dr Holly Sullivant is a veterinarian in Palm Harbor, FL. A 1997 graduate of Michigan State University she’s been serving the pets of Palm Harbor since 2002. She shares her life with her family and her three dogs and two cats.
