Post by jonsdigs on Oct 12, 2006 16:41:21 GMT -5
Rise in rabies among bats prompts public health alert
Posted by The Oregonian Newsroom October 12, 2006 10:03
State officials issued a public health warning this morning in response to a high number of bats testing positive for rabies this year.
Twenty-one bats and two foxes have tested positive for the disease, compared with nine bats last year and seven in the previous year.
A public health veterinarian urged Oregonians to protect themselves and their pets against rabies.
Dr. Emilio DeBess gives this advice:
"Never handle bats and make sure your cats and dogs are up to date on their rabies vaccines," he said.
Rabies is an infectious viral disease that affects the nervous system and is caused by exposure to a rabid animal. Exposure is usually through a bite but can also occur through scratches and saliva contact with broken skin. It is almost always fatal once symptoms begin.
Bats play an important role in the ecosystem, especially in controlling insects and aiding agriculture, DeBess said, but a small percentage can carry rabies.
"Bats suffering from rabies will normally bite in self-defense," said DeBess. "However, they pose little danger to people who do not handle them. If you find a bat during daylight hours, it is most likely unhealthy and should be avoided."
DeBess said vaccinating pets against rabies protects them and provides a buffer zone between humans and rabid wild animals.
www.blogs.oregonlive.com/oregonian/newsupdates/default.asp?item=220103
Posted by The Oregonian Newsroom October 12, 2006 10:03
State officials issued a public health warning this morning in response to a high number of bats testing positive for rabies this year.
Twenty-one bats and two foxes have tested positive for the disease, compared with nine bats last year and seven in the previous year.
A public health veterinarian urged Oregonians to protect themselves and their pets against rabies.
Dr. Emilio DeBess gives this advice:
"Never handle bats and make sure your cats and dogs are up to date on their rabies vaccines," he said.
Rabies is an infectious viral disease that affects the nervous system and is caused by exposure to a rabid animal. Exposure is usually through a bite but can also occur through scratches and saliva contact with broken skin. It is almost always fatal once symptoms begin.
Bats play an important role in the ecosystem, especially in controlling insects and aiding agriculture, DeBess said, but a small percentage can carry rabies.
"Bats suffering from rabies will normally bite in self-defense," said DeBess. "However, they pose little danger to people who do not handle them. If you find a bat during daylight hours, it is most likely unhealthy and should be avoided."
DeBess said vaccinating pets against rabies protects them and provides a buffer zone between humans and rabid wild animals.
www.blogs.oregonlive.com/oregonian/newsupdates/default.asp?item=220103