For Release: IMMEDIATE
Date: November 20, 2006

Rabies: Public Health officials urge pet vaccination, caution around wildlife

RALEIGH— Public health officials say recent events highlight the need to remain vigilant against rabies. A rabid dog was identified in Onslow County last week. A rabid cat was documented in Cleveland County last week, requiring seven exposed persons to receive rabies post exposure treatment (PET); a ferret tested positive for rabies in Buncombe County, the first ferret ever documented to have rabies in North Carolina; and a groundhog recently tested positive for rabies in Forsyth County.

“ People need to make sure their pets are vaccinated. A rabid pet can expose a lot of people to this deadly virus,” said State Public Health Veterinarian Carl Williams. “And, it is also a matter of economics. A rabies shot for your pet is pretty cheap, but getting the shots to prevent you or other family members from contracting rabies after exposure to a pet can cost thousands of dollars.”

In Onslow County a sick dog was taken to the veterinarian several weeks after the owners witnessed the animal fighting with a raccoon. The veterinarian was concerned the animal had contracted rabies and submitted it for testing. It was confirmed to have rabies last Friday. The county health department is currently investigating the situation to determine who may have been exposed.

In Cleveland County a sick cat that died was submitted for rabies testing. The family which owned the cat had contact with the animal’s saliva, and there were concerns the animal may have had rabies based on its illness and because it was not vaccinated against rabies. It turns out the concerns were justified when the cat was confirmed to have rabies. Ultimately seven persons began rabies PET due to exposure to the cat at a cost of approximately $9200.00 for vaccine alone.

In Buncombe County a ferret, which had become ill, bitten its owner, and died, was submitted for rabies testing. The ferret was confirmed to have rabies and is the first ferret to be diagnosed with rabies in North Carolina. Ferrets, like all mammals, are susceptible to rabies yet rarely test positive for the disease. The last ferret previously recorded with rabies was in 2003 in Maryland.

In Forsyth County a groundhog recently tested positive for rabies. Although small rodents (such as squirrels and chipmunks) rarely acquire rabies, the condition among larger rodents (such as groundhogs and beavers) is much more common. Small rodents are unlikely to survive an encounter with a raccoon or fox which would expose them to rabies. However, large rodents can survive encounters and live long enough to be infectious. Therefore bites from these animals must be evaluated carefully.

These scenarios demonstrate that the risk from rabies can continue year round and come from unlikely sources. Cats and dogs are susceptible to rabies, which is present in wildlife populations in North Carolina. Vaccination of pets against rabies will protect them and the public. Unfortunately the dog in Onslow County was too young to have been vaccinated against rabies. Puppies and kittens must be protected until they are old enough to be vaccinated. They should be supervised when outdoors.

It is likely that had the cat in Cleveland County been vaccinated against rabies it would never have become infected and rabies PET for the seven patients could have been avoided. Rabies vaccinations are also available for ferrets. Although vaccination against rabies is not required by law for ferrets, it is highly recommended. In this case, like the Cleveland County cat, it may have saved the life of the animal and protected the owner.

In three of the four cases the animals were determined to be infected with the strain of rabies virus from raccoons. Analysis of the dog is Onslow is ongoing, though it is like to be infected with the raccoon strain too. The raccoon is the primary reservoir for rabies in North Carolina and demonstrates that care must be taken to protect ourselves and our pets from diseases that occur in nature. In no case should people attempt to handle or capture wild animals that may carry rabies, the risk is simply too great. Never touch, pet or feed wild animals, whether they appear to be sick or not. Open containers of food—including pet food—or garbage may attract these animals to your yard, so keep garbage and food in tightly sealed containers and feed pets indoors.

If an animal has bitten you, thoroughly wash the wound with lots of soap and water and call a doctor immediately. You must still talk with a physician about what medical care you might need. If there is a chance you may have been exposed to rabies, or if the animal is caught and it tests positive for rabies, you will need rabies PET. You cannot wait to see if you get sick, because there is no known cure once the disease develops. Contact your local animal control or health department for assistance in having an animal collected and tested for rabies.

Finally, keep your pets vaccinated against rabies. It will protect their health, your health, and it is the law. Initial rabies vaccinations for dogs and cats are good for 1 year, subsequent vaccinations are good for 3 years. Contact your veterinarian for details. Overall, rabies vaccination for your pet is a small price to pay.

For more information on rabies, see the N.C. Division of Public Health’s rabies website at www.epi.state.nc.us/epi/rabies.html.