The Centers for Disease Control is calling attention to World Rabies Day http://www.cdc.gov/Features/Rabies/. Each year the public health cost associated with rabies is estimated to be more than $300 million dollars. Rabies is a virus that kills- responsible for more than 55,000 deaths worldwide.
Steps you can take to prevent and control rabies at home-
- Keep away from wildlife and unfamiliar animals.
- If you see an animal acting strangely, report it to Animal Control.
- Never pick up or touch dead animals. Call Animal Control for disposal.
- Take your pets to the veterinarian yearly for a physical exam and to make sure their rabies vaccine is current. Pets that have not received a rabies vaccine and are exposed to rabies must be quarantined for 6 months or euthanized.
- Keep your pets indoors.
- Take steps to “bat proof” your home http://www.cdc.gov/rabies/bats/index.html
