ISLE OF WIGHT — This week has been designated as Rabies Awareness Week for the Western Tidewater Health District. This effort to alert the public to the dangers of rabies is being promoted by the Virginia Veterinary Medical Association, the Virginia Animal Control Association and the Virginia Department of Health.
During the week of Jan. 20-25, cat and dog owners in the area will be able to get their pets vaccinated against rabies at a reduced fee. In Isle of Wight, the local veterinarians will offer vaccinations for $6, considerably less than the normal charge. The shots are available at veterinarians' offices during normal operating hours.
The Health Department is concerned about the spread of rabies, particularly in raccoons, over the past several years. The disease has gradually spread southward from Northern Virginia, and has been present in Western Tidewater since 1989. A rabid cat was identified in Suffolk during December of that year. Since that time, 62 animals have been confirmed as having the disease in the Western Tidewater Health District. Due to exposures to rabid animals, 108 people have had to receive rabies vaccine.
In Western Tidewater, five animals tested positive for rabies in 1996, all of which were raccoons. Eighteen people received post-exposure treatment.
Dr. Sujata C. Buck, medical director for the Western Tidewater Health District, stressed the importance of getting cats as well as dogs vaccinated. In recent years, more cats have tested positive for rabies than dogs. It is state law that cats be vaccinated against rabies.
To lessen the threat of rabies, Buck recommends these additional guidelines:
* Do not keep wild animals as pets.
* Do not approach an injured or sick animal that is unknown to you. Call an animal control officer.
* Wash bite wounds with soap and water. Call your physician or local health department for advice on treatment.
* If possible, confine an animal that has bitten a human. Call an animal control officer or the police to pick up the animal.
* Report any animal acting strangely to Animal Control.
* Don't leave garbage or pet food outside since it may attract wild animals.
* Avoid contact with wild or unfamiliar animals.