FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Dee W. Jones, D.V.M., (334) 206-5969
800-338-8374
The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) has recently confirmed
a case of animal rabies near the Goodwater community in Coosa County. A
fox tested positive for the rabies virus. Rabies targets the central
nervous system of all mammals, including humans, and is always fatal.
The virus is transmitted by saliva. In general, rabies exposure
requires direct contact with infected saliva, usually through a bite or a
scratch, but other less common contact exposures with mucous membranes
(eyes, nose and mouth) should be considered as potential exposures.
State Public Health Veterinarian Dr. Dee W. Jones said, “Rabies
prevention is multifaceted; it involves people taking precautions with
wildlife, making sure their pets are current on rabies vaccinations, and
always reporting an animal bite or other exposure to their medical
provider or the health department.”
Area residents are advised to take the following precautions to avoid
possible exposure to rabies:
- Do not allow pets to run loose; confine them within a fenced-in area
or with a leash.
- Do not leave uneaten pet food or scraps near your residence.
- Do not illegally feed or keep wildlife as pets.
- Do not go near wildlife or domestic animals that are acting in a
strange or unusual manner.
- Caution children not to go near any stray or wild animal, regardless
of its behavior.
- Advise children to tell an adult if they are bitten or scratched by
any animal.
- A person who is bitten or scratched by an animal should wash wounds
immediately with mild soap and water, apply first aid, and seek medical
attention or contact the county health department immediately.
Alabama state law requires that dogs, cats and ferrets 12 weeks of age
and older be current with rabies vaccination. Rabies vaccines are also
available for horses and other livestock if
recommended by a
veterinarian. Vaccinating animals reduces the risk of rabies infection
should an exposure occur, thus vaccinations helps protect animals, as
well as their owners and caretakers.
For more information about rabies and prevention, please contact your
county health department. You may also call the Alabama Department of
Public Health at 1-800-338-8374 or (334) 206-5971 or visit http://www.adph.org/epi/default.asp?id=3385.
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9/29/16