2014-03-27 12:49:46 - Biological Hazard - USA EDIS CODE: BH-20140327-43153-USA Date & Time: 2014-03-27 12:49:46 [UTC] Area: USA, State of Oklahoma, Dewey Count, Description: A rabid skunk identified in Dewey County has promoted the Oklahoma Department of Health officials to remind residents to take special care to vaccinate pets, including even barn or outdoor cats if there is any possibility of coming in contact with them. in 2013, 85 cases of animal rabies were confirmed in Oklahoma. This year, 7 cases have already been confirmed, including the skunk in Dewey County, according to Jolena Graves, regional health consultant for Dewey, Woodward and Woods County. When I think of rabies, I cant help but think of that old movie old Yeller, she said. And has anyone ever watched that movie and not cried their eyes out. Graves reminds residents though, this is more than just a warning to protect your animals. It is a warning about how deadly the disease is to human beings. The primary reservoir for rabies in Oklahoma is skunks. Although most rabies cases in Oklahoma occur in skunks, most human exposures to rabies result from contact to unvaccinated pets or livestock that become rabid following an encounter with a rabid wild animal. Having your pets currently vaccinated has the added benefit of protecting your family from exposure to rabies and avoiding the costly and uncomfortable process of receiving post-exposure shots, Woodward County Health Department Administrative Director Terri Salisbury said.rnrnGraves adds that parents should also talk to their children about rabies and remind them to be sure and let them know if they are ever bitten or scratched by an animal. This can be important because sometimes children might hide the information if they believe they could get in trouble for touching an animal they were told to stay away from, Graves said. If a parent doesnt know to have their child treated before symptoms begin, the child is at risk for death. Discourage wild animals from inhabiting areas close to residences by reducing or elimination availability of food, water, and shelter. Remove outdoor unused pet food and water bowls at night and never intentionally feed wild animals, Graves said. Keep trash cans tightly sealed, and fill up entry holes in and under fences, kennels, decks, and buildings. Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system and is almost always fatal once symptoms of the disease have started. Rabies virus is found in the brain, spinal cord, and saliva of infected animals and is transmitted through a bite or opening in the skin or mucous membranes (eyes, nose, or mouth), according to health department officials.
Posted on: Thu, 27 Mar 2014 14:49:13 +0000
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