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Little Creek Veterinary Clinic

Pet ownership and beyond…

« Dogs Gone Swimming — Revisited
You’ve been bitten – now what? »

Rabies – What Do You Know?

September 26, 2011 by Little Creek Veterinary Clinic

       Today marks the beginning of Rabies Awareness Week around the globe.  You may be wondering “Who in the developed world isn’t already aware of Rabies – a deadly zoonotic disease that can be passed from animals to humans and from humans to humans?” 

     Certainly by now, many of us are well-informed on what Rabies is (a virus found in mammals only) and what it does (attacks the nervous system, leading to death.)  But do you know what’s going on in your own backyard?  I did some research here and put together the facts:

Rabies Cases in 2010
Chesapeake…………….1 raccoon
Norfolk
…………………….1 cat, 4 raccoons
Portsmouth…………….1 fox, 1 raccoon
Suffolk
……………………..2 foxes, 1 raccoon, 1 skunk
Virginia Beach
……….1 bat, 2 foxes, 6 raccoons

Rabies Cases in 2011 (through Sept. 10th)
Chesapeake……………..1 fox, 1 raccoon
Norfolk
……………………..1 fox, 1 raccoon
Portsmouth
……………..1 fox, 1 raccoon
Suffolk
………………………2 cats, 6 foxes, 1 raccoon, 1 skunk
Virginia Beach
………..2 foxes, 3 raccoons

     As you can see, Suffolk and Virginia Beach have racked up some scary numbers for the past two years in a row.  And consider this – these numbers represent only actual documented cases.  In other words, there are more animals that have the disease, but are never caught and counted.

     Quick tips:

  • Keep your pet’s Rabies vaccination up-to-date.  Even indoor pets need protection – and don’t forget your ferret.
  • Do not allow your pet to chase wild animals or chew on carcasses.
  • Keep pets on-leash during walks, to lessen the chance they will chase wildlife.
  • Do not attempt to rehabilitate sick or injured wildlife. 
  • Contact your local animal control office if you believe an animal is acting strangely.

Tomorrow:  What to do if you’ve been bitten

    

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Posted in General, Pet Health | Tagged Dr. Miele, Little Creek Veterinary Clinic, Norfolk veterinarian, pet health, Rabies Awareness Week, Rabies in Virginia | 4 Comments

4 Responses

  1. on September 27, 2011 at 9:21 PM You’ve been bitten – now what? « Little Creek Veterinary Clinic

    […] Comments « Rabies – What Do You Know? […]


  2. on May 18, 2012 at 4:04 PM Pet owners: know your rights…and know your limits « Little Creek Veterinary Clinic

    […] or custodian of any animal which has died from disease or other cause and is not the subject of a rabies exposure as defined in article III shall forthwith bury with at least twelve (12) inches of fill […]


  3. on October 22, 2012 at 9:32 PM National Pet Wellness Month – an idea with bite « Little Creek Veterinary Clinic

    […] and makes it easier to remember tasks like giving medication or going to the vet to update a Rabies […]


  4. on March 5, 2013 at 7:13 PM Why do cats need an annual exam? | Little Creek Veterinary Clinic

    […] questions: Are your cat’s vaccines (including Rabies) up-to-date? When was the last time your outdoor cat’s stool was tested for […]



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    Information on this site is provided for educational purposes only, and is not meant to diagnose, treat, or cure your pet. Information provided on this site does not take the place of a valid client-patient-doctor relationship, nor does it constitute such a relationship. Your pet’s veterinarian is the best source of information regarding your pet’s health. Your pet may require an examination and testing by a licensed veterinarian in order to provide proper diagnosis and treatment. Neither Dr. Miele nor Little Creek Veterinary Clinic or its staff is responsible for outcomes based on information available on this site. Every pet’s condition is unique and requires the direct care and oversight of its own veterinarian.

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