- Sen. Jungbauer Undergoing Rabies Shots
- By T.W. Budig
- ECM Capitol Reporter
- 9-15-9
-
-
- Sen. Mike Jungbauer, R-East Bethel, was recently bitten
under the eye by a bat when going into one of sheds he has on his property.
The bat got away, so Jungbauer, a Republican gubernatorial candidate, is
scheduled for a series of rabies shots.
-
- According to his Senate office, the senator already received
his first set of shots - in the face and in the stomach - and is scheduled
for more shots later this week. Then Jungbauer faces three more series
of shots.
-
- According to a legislative assistant, the senator is
feeling a little unwell today as a result of the shots. Even so,
Jungbauer is planning to run two 5K races in upcoming days.
-
- http://hometownsource.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10706&Itemid=1
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-
- Peyton Horse Get Rabies - First In 25 Years
- Brian Newsome
- 9-15-9
-
- A horse in Peyton was euthanized after contracting rabies,
the first equine case in Colorado in at least 25 years, the El Paso County
Department of Health and Environment said Tuesday.
-
- Health officials suspect the horse contracted the disease
from a skunk on the property. There have been half a dozen confirmed cases
of rabid skunks in eastern El Paso County in recent months.
-
- "Rabies infection in horses is rare," said
Public Health Director Kandi Buckland, in a news release. "We anticipate
that the infection was caused by skunk rabies, which greatly concerns us
because it would indicate that rabies is not only spreading in the county,
but also crossing animal species and increasing the risk to people."
-
- Rabies is historically rare in Colorado and usually transmitted
by bats, but in the last year a strain transmitted by skunks has made its
way west from the Midwest. El Paso County's first rabid skunk since 1970
was discovered this summer.
-
- Horse owner and veterinary technician Diann Bukowski,
at the Animal Hospital of Falcon, said people tend to stay current with
rabies vaccinations for dogs and cats but horses, until now, were thought
to be safe from the viral disease.
-
- "Vaccinating horses is not very routine," she
said. She added that is likely going to change with news of this horse.
"I'm considering doing my own."
-
- She said it should be easy to find a vaccine, although
people who want to vaccinate livestock will need to go to a large-animal
vet. the Animal Hospital doesn't vaccinate large animals, but vaccines
for pets are $22 for a 3-year dose.
-
- To combat rabies, the health department recommends vaccines
for horses and other high-value livestock.
-
- Other recommendations:
-
- - Don't feed wild animals or allow your pets around them.
Make sure children stay away from wild animals.
-
- - Contact the vet if a pet is bitten or scratched by
a wild animal.
-
- - Call a doctor immediately if you suspect you've been
exposed to rabies.
-
- - Stay away from an animal exhibiting bizarre behavior,
such as a nocturnal animal like a skunk wandering about during the day.
-
- - If you must remove a dead skunk on your property, wear
rubber gloves or lift the carcass with a shovel or other tool, and double-bag
it for the trash.
-
- http://www.gazette.com/articles/rabies-62089-horse-health.html
-
-
- Rabies Cases Among Cats on the Rise
-
-
- SCHAUMBURG, Ill., (PRNewswire-USNewswire) -- While reported
cases of rabies in the United States dropped in 2008, veterinarians and
public health officials warn that an increase in the number of reported
cases in cats poses a health risk to both animals and people.
-
- There were 6,841 reported cases of animal rabies in the
United States and Puerto Rico in 2008, according to a report issued by
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and published in the
Sept. 15, 2009, edition of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical
Association. The number represents a 3.1 percent decrease from the 7,060
rabies cases in animals reported to the CDC in 2007. There were two cases
of rabies in humans in 2008, up from one case reported in 2007.
-
- According to the CDC report, rabies continues to affect
wildlife much more than it does domestic animals. Wild animals, especially
raccoons, bats, skunks and foxes, accounted for 93 percent of all rabies
cases reported in 2008, the report states.
-
- More work needs to be done, however, when it comes to
controlling rabies in pets, especially cats and dogs. Cats led the list
of domestic animals with reported cases of rabies in 2008. According to
the CDC report, there were 294 reported cases of rabies in cats last year,
up about 12 percent from the 262 reported cases in 2007. Dog-related cases
totaled 75 in 2008, down from 93 in 2007.
-
- Jesse Blanton, an epidemiologist at the CDC, said cats
have more interaction with wildlife, where they are prone to being bitten
by a rabid animal, and they aren't getting the vaccinations they need.
-
- "The CDC's general belief is that people are doing
a good job vaccinating their dogs, but not their cats," Blanton said.
"We have controlled canine rabies through the vaccination of domestic
dogs, so we know that vaccinating works."
-
- The belief that cats aren't getting their necessary shots
is supported by data from an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
report that indicates 36.3 percent of U.S. cat-owning households did not
visit a veterinarian in 2006. In contrast, the report, "U.S. Pet Ownership
and Demographics Sourcebook," indicates that 17.3 percent of dog-owning
households did not visit a veterinarian in 2006.
-
- The simple act of vaccinating a pet, Blanton said, provides
protection to the animal and the humans with whom it may come in contact.
Veterinarians can vaccinate dogs and cats, and they will advise clients
on the recommended or required frequency of vaccination needed.
-
- Rabies remains a threat worldwide, killing more than
55,000 people every year, according to the World Health Organization. The
release of the CDC report comes at an opportune time for continued public
education, as World Rabies Day is approaching on Sept. 28. World Rabies
Day, now in its third year, aims to raise awareness about the public health
impact of human and animal rabies. For more information on World Rabies
Day, visit the AVMA's World Rabies Day Web page.
-
- The AVMA and its more than 78,000 member veterinarians
are engaged in wide variety of activities dedicated to advancing the science
and art of animal, human and public health.
-
- SOURCE American Veterinary Medical Association
-
- David Kirkpatrick of the American Veterinary Medical
Association,
- +1-847-285-6782, Cell: +1-847-409-0519, dkirkpatrick@avma.org
-
- http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS121372+15-Sep-2009+PRN20090915
-
-
- MOBERLY, MO -- The Randolph County Health Department
announces that a bat, found in the south central part of the county, has
tested positive for rabies.
-
- "The bat was found in the courtyard of a county
school, but fortunately was picked up by maintenance before any of the
children happened upon it," stated Janet Murray, Environmental Health
Supervisor. "Since it was acting strangely, we decided it would be
best to submit to the State Lab for testing, and sure enough, it was positive."
-
- According to Janet Murray, Environmental Health Supervisor,
Randolph County Health Department, anyone who has been bitten by an animal,
particularly a stray dog or cat or a wild animal, should wash the wound
thoroughly with soap and water for 10 to 15 minutes. If possible, and
without further injury, try to capture or confine the biting animal so
that it can be quarantined or tested for rabies (depending upon the species
of biting animal). If the animal is destroyed, avoid damaging the head
since the brain is the only specimen that can be tested for the presence
of the rabies virus. Persons should contact their physician to see if
medical care (antibiotics, tetanus booster, etc.) is needed, and to have
a rabies risk assessment made. They should also contact their local health
department to seek assistance in obtaining proper disposition of the biting
animal.
-
- Rabies is a disease of mammals and is transmitted primarily
through bites. Over 90 percent of reported rabies cases are wild animals
commonly seen in neighborhoods and backyards, such as bats, skunks, raccoons
and foxes. Vaccinated pets are the barrier between those animals and loved
ones and public health experts want pet owners to know that by protecting
their pets they also are protecting their loved ones.
-
- Missouri health officials urge pet owners to visit their
veterinarians and update their pets' rabies vaccinations. "Pet owners
need to understand how close the threat of rabies is to their families,"
said Janet "It's often as close as the raccoon that walked through
the back yard."
-
- Special attention should be paid to bites from bats since
their small, needle-like teeth could result in a wound that goes unnoticed
or is ignored. Although less than one percent of wild bats have rabies,
almost all human rabies deaths in the United States occur from exposure
to rabid bats. A Missouri man died from rabies in November 2008 due to
a bite from an infected bat. The man did not seek medical treatment following
the bite, underscoring the necessity of consulting with medical professionals
following such exposures. Persons who might have been bitten by a bat
found in their home should consult with their local public health agency
or animal control office to determine if testing of the bat is necessary.
This could keep these persons from having to undergo the anti-rabies series
of shots, which might be the recommendation if the bat is simply caught
and released without testing.
-
- "Rabies is not just a problem in Randolph County,"
according to Ms. Murray. "It can be found in any county in Missouri.
Over the past 10 years, Missouri has seen almost 50 rabid animals each
year, and that's just the tip of the iceberg. This number includes only
those animals tested because they bit either a person or someone's pet
there were undoubtedly many more rabid animals that went undetected.
Most of the animals found to be rabid during this time period were bats
and skunks, but the total also included foxes, cats, dogs, cattle, horses,
and one goat."
-
- Anti-Rabies Regimen
-
- Following a potential exposure to rabies, there is normally
a window of opportunity (usually measured in days) in which the patient
can receive a series of shots to keep him/her from developing rabies.
The current series of shots is very effective if given soon after the exposure,
and is fewer in number with far less side effects than the previous anti-rabies
regimen. However, the current series is not without some discomfort and
risk, and averages about $3500 per series per patient. The shots are not
effective once symptoms develop.
-
-
- Community Prevention
-
- Ensure dogs, cats, and ferrets are up-to-date on rabies
vaccinations. Vaccinations are also available for horses, cattle, and sheep.
The effectiveness of animal vaccines is the main reason for the nationwide
decline in rabies cases among people and domestic animals.
-
- Keep pets under control; do not allow them to run loose.
-
- Avoid contact with stray pets and wild animals; do not
keep wild animals or wild animal crosses as pets.
-
- Report wild animals exhibiting unusual behavior or stray
pets to animal control officials.
-
- Personal pets should not be handled without protection
directly after being exposed to wildlife due to the potential for carrying
residual saliva from the infected animal. Information pertaining to rabies
can be found on the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services website
at http://www.dhss.mo.gov/Rabies. For more information on rabies
in Randolph County, contact Janet Murray, R.E.H.S. Environmental Health
Supervisor 660-263-6643 Ext. 3043
-
- http://www.moberlymonitor.com/news/x786214379/Rabid-bat-is-found-in-Randolph-County
-
-
- Skunk in Varina tests positive for rabies
-
- Associated Press
- 09/15/09 10:20 AM EDT
-
- VARINA, VA. - A dead skunk found in a yard in Varina
has tested positive for rabies.
-
- Police say the skunk was reported to the Henrico Police
Animal Protection Unit on Saturday. Test results received Tuesday confirmed
the skunk was rabid.
-
- Two dogs that were in the yard will be quarantined at
the residence for 45 days. Both dogs had rabies vaccinations.
-
- http://wake.mync.com/site/wake/news/story/41787/cary-reports-first-rabies-case-this-year
-
- Wake County Story
-
- By Town of Cary, Press Release, 9 hours, 12 minutes ago
- Updated: Sep. 15 10:06 am
- ShareThis
- Tweet This! <http://mync.com/site/41787/>http://mync.com/site/41787/
- CARY, N.C. -
-
- Cary Animal Control officials have confirmed the town's
first case of rabies in Cary.
-
- The last reported case in Cary was in November 2007.
-
- On Sunday, Sept. 13 at 2:30 p.m., residents living in
Cambridge Apartments in Cary near Ludington Court reported a fox behaving
strangely. Cary Police responded and transported the dead fox for testing
at the State Laboratory of Public Health in Raleigh. The Town of Cary was
notified on Sept. 14 that the fox was infected with the rabies virus.
-
- You are advised to use caution when dealing with any
animal that may be suspicious or one that may have come in contact with
a suspicious animal. Wear gloves and other protective clothing when helping
injured pets, and stay away from any bodily fluids, especially saliva.
As always, have your pets vaccinated against the disease. Seek help immediately
if you or your pets are bitten by any animal, and notify officials as soon
as possible.
-
- If you suspect a rabid animal, contact Cary Animal Control
immediately at (919) 319-4517 or call your local veterinarian.
-
-
- Bali Woman Dies Of Dog Bite
-
- Date: Tue 15 Sep 2009
- Source: The Bali Post
-
- A 3rd victim of suspect rabies, a 47-year-old woman,
died on Mon 14 Sep 2009 in Sanglah Hospital [Tabanan Regency]. She had
been bitten by her own dog when it suddenly ran amok in her kitchen on
20 Jul 2009. She was bitten on her right arm and was rushed to the health
clinic in Kediri where she received a tetanus injection. The dog was 3
years old.
-
- A month after she had been bitten, the victim reported
feeling unwell. On Sat 12 Sep 2009 she experienced symptoms such as drastic
sweating around her head, chest pains, and difficulty in breathing. She
was then taken to Tabanan Hospital at 23.00 hr and received emergency treatment
and 2 types of medication. Afterwards she was told to rest at home.
-
- When her condition did not improve she was taken to Sanglah
Hospital on Sun 13 Sep 2009, where she was placed in an isolation room.
It appears that she was already paralyzed and could not be resuscitated,
finally dying on 14 Sep 2009. Her husband revealed that a few weeks after
having been bitten, that his wife became scared of water and drafts, but
was always thirsty and feverish.
-
- On Mon 14 Sep 2009, 6 officials of the Tabanan Health
Department visited the woman's home and interviewed her husband, but the
reason for this is unclear.
-
- As of today [15 Sep 2009], there have been 3 fatal cases
of suspect rabies: 2 victims came from Desa Buahan, Tabanan, and one from
Kediri, Tabanan. http://www.balipost.co.id/mediadetail.php?module=detailberita&kid=2&id=20038
-
-
- Date: Sun 13 Sep 2009 Source: NorthEscambia.com [edited]
-
-
- A rabies alert continues for North Escambia after one
person was bitten by a rabid fox and 2 raccoons that bit dogs
tested positive for rabies.
-
- Robert Merritt, director of environmental health for
the Escambia County Health Department, said that a dog was
bitten by a rabid raccoon on Crabtree Church Road in Molino
in May [2009], and a dog was bitten by a rabid raccoon on Handy
Road in Cottage Hill last month [August 2009]. He said a fox
that bit a person somewhere in North Escambia last month also
tested positive for rabies, but, due to patient privacy laws,
he was not able to identify in which community the incident
occurred. [This means that the people most at risk may not
know there is a rabies problem in their area. Protecting one
person's privacy leads to a potentially higher risk for everyone else.
- Mod.JW]
-
- The dogs bitten by the rabid raccoons were quarantined,
while the person bitten by the rabid fox is undergoing treatment.
Dr John Lanza, director of the Escambia County Health Department
today [13 Sep 2009] issued a rabies alert for the central to
northern geographical region of Escambia County, Florida. This
is in response to 3 wild animals that tested positive for rabies.
-
- Escambia residents should be aware that rabies is present
in the wild animal population and domestic animals are at risk
if not vaccinated. The public is asked to maintain a heightened
awareness that rabies is active in Escambia County. Alerts
are designed to increase awareness to the public, but they
should not give a false sense of security to areas that have
not been named as under an alert. This rabies alert will last
for a total of 60 days and covers all of central and northern
Escambia County from Muscogee Road north to the Alabama State
line. [It is not clear why an alert lasts only 60 days when according
to the report rabies has been present there since May. - Mod.JW]
-
- An animal with rabies could infect other wild or domestic
animals that have not been vaccinated against rabies. All domestic
animals should be vaccinated against rabies and humans should
avoid all wildlife contact, especially with raccoons, bats,
and foxes.
-
- Rabies is a disease of the nervous system and is usually
fatal to warm-blooded animals and to humans. The only treatment
for human exposure to rabies is rabies-specific immune globulin
and rabies immunization. Appropriate treatment started soon
after the exposure will protect an exposed person from the
disease.
-
- The following advice is issued - all pets should have
current rabies immunizations; - avoid contact with all wildlife, especially
raccoons, bats, and foxes; - all persons with any unusual exposure incident,
or bites, with a wild animal should be evaluated by a physician
to determine their need for treatment; - secure outside garbage
in covered containers to avoid attracting wild animals; - do
not leave pet food outside as this practice also attracts wild animals;
- for questions regarding the health of an animal, contact a veterinarian;
- veterinarian staff and animal control staff should be alert for
animals encountered with signs suspicious for rabies and contact the
Escambia County Health Department's Environmental Health Division at
(850) 595-6700.
-
- For further information on rabies, go to the Florida
Department of Health website at http://www.doh.state.fl.us/environment/community/rabies/rabies-index.html
-
- http://www.northescambia.com/?p=10821
-
-
- Communicated by:
- ProMED-mail Rapporteur Susan Baekeland
-
- Residents should be reminded that rabies changes an animal.
Nocturnal animals may be found in the daylight. Docile animals
may be more aggressive while energetic animals may be more
quiet and cuddly. The veterinary community has an opportunity
to offer low cost rabies drives in association with county
public health awareness campaigns.
-
- Cats, dogs, and horses need vaccinating. Cattle, sheep,
and goat producers should vaccinate their animals, as they
are susceptible to the virus. It takes only one rabid skunk
or raccoon biting one of the production animals to cost a producer
more than the cost of the vaccines. Rabies in cattle mimics
other diseases and cattle can expose a number of people before
the disease is diagnosed. - Mod.TG
-
- The US state of Florida can be located on the HealthMap/ProMED-mail
interactive map at http://healthmap.org/r/00OV Escambia County is the westernmost
county in the state. It can be found at (1) in the map of the
Northwest counties of Florida at http://www.floridacountiesmap.com/counties_list.shtml
-
- RABIES - RUSSIA (02): (OMSK) BOVINE, HUMAN EXPOSURE
-
- ***************************************************
-
- Date: Thu 10 Sep 2009
- Source: RIA (Russian News & Information Agency) Omsk
Press [in
- Russian, trans. Corr.ATS, edited]
-
- Cattle Developed Sign Of Rabies
-
- A quarantine has been imposed in the Kolosovskiy Region
[district] of the Omsk Oblast [province]. Transportation of
meat into or out of the region was banned after 4 cows died
as a result of rabies virus infection and 24 people who had
been in contact with these animals are being kept under medical
observation.
-
- The local TV channel has reported that all nearby farms
in the Kolosovskiy Region are also under quarantine. Nina Onishenko,
a veterinarian, stated that a suspected rabid cow had been
identified after examination of the herd. There was some suspicion
at first that this cow had been poisoned, and it was kept in
isolation. Subsequently this cow died and several others developed
signs of rabies. People who had been in contact with these
animals were immunised as a precautionary measure. The entire
herd has now received rabies vaccination and the pasture has
been disinfected.
-
- http://omskpress.ru/news/6132/korovy_proyavili_priznaki_beshenstva/
-
- --
-
- Communicated by
- ProMED-RUS
- promed-rus@promedmail.org
-
- The source of the infection, presumably contact with
wild animals, is not identified in this report. Further information
would be appreciated.
-
- The Omsk Oblast is located in the southern part of the
West Siberian Plain midway along the Irtysh River. It is a
rolling plain with elevations of 100-140 m (328-460 ft); ridged
uplands (crests) are typical of the southern half of the region,
while broad expanses of swamp are characteristic of the north.
- The HealthMap/ProMED-mail interactive map of the Omsk
Oblast of Russia
- can be accessed at
- http://healthmap.org/r/00OG>. - Mod.CP
-
- Rabies can be found almost anywhere there are mammals,
including the boroughs of New York City.
- Portions of this comment were extracted from:
- <http://www.cdc.gov/rabies/about.html>http://www.cdc.gov/rabies/about.html.
- New York may be seen on a map at: http://www.healthmap.org/en.
- Mod.TG
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