The New River Health District and local veterinarians in the New River Valley are urging people to “Protect the Ones You Love. Vaccinate Your Pets.” This important message is the focus of this year’s Rabies Awareness Week, Sept. 28-Oct. 4.

“Vaccinating companion animals, such as dogs and cats, against rabies for their protection as well as the protection of family members is very important,” said Virginia’s State Public Health Veterinarian Julia Murphy.

Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system. It kills almost any mammal or human that gets sick from it. The rabies virus is mainly in the saliva and brain of rabid animals. In most situations, it is transmitted through a bite, but may also be transmitted by getting saliva or brain/central nervous tissue in a wound or in the eye or mouth.

Jody Hershey, Director of the New River Health District, said, “Unfortunately, animal bites occur often. Our health departments have investigated 481 possible exposure incidents to date in 2009, and 616 possible exposure incidents were investigated in 2008. Rabies is present in our communities so getting pets vaccinated is essential to protecting our citizens, and it’s the law.”

In the New River Health District (city of Radford and counties of Floyd, Giles, Montgomery, and Pulaski), 10 animals (6 raccoons, 1 bobcat, 1 fox, 1 skunk, 1 cat) have been confirmed to be rabid to date in 2009 and 17 animals (6 skunks, 5 raccoons, 1 dog, 1 cat, 2 foxes, 2 bats) were confirmed rabid in 2008.

“The rabies virus is shed in the saliva of animals sick with the virus, so any animal bite should be taken seriously,” said Gary Coggins, Environmental Health Manager Senior at the New River Health District. “If an animal bites you, wash the wound immediately. Call your physician, local health department or animal control agency immediately. Likewise, if your pet is bitten by a wild animal, contact your veterinarian or local health department immediately.”

The Health Department strongly advises people take these steps to prevent families and pets from exposure to rabies:

• Vaccinate all cats, dogs and ferrets against rabies and keep them up to date
• Avoid contact with wild animals or stray cats and dogs
• Do not feed wild animals or stray cats and dogs
• Report stray animals to your local animal control agency
• Eliminate outdoor food sources around the home
• Keep pets confined to your property or walk them on a leash

During Rabies Awareness Week, some veterinarians may offer low-cost rabies vaccinations. Check to see if your pet’s doctor is participating. State law requires all dogs and cats over the age of four months to be vaccinated against rabies. Vaccines can be given as early as three months and one product is approved for kittens at eight weeks. Dog licenses are required throughout the state and some communities require licenses for cats.

For more information on rabies, log onto the Virginia Department of Health’s Web site or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Web site.