Rabies is still a disease to be aware of and to continue proper vaccination and protection for your pet.  Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA) published a report on September 15, 2010 summarizing the incidence of confirmed cases of rabies in animal species in 2009. Here in New Jersey there were 288 cases of confirmed rabies infection in animals. There were 189 raccoons, 32 bats, 37 skunks, 5 foxes, 5 other wildlife species, and 20 cases of rabies in domestic cats!

What is Rabies? it is a viral disease of mammals which if contracted and the virus infects the central nervous system is almost always fatal. Fortunately vaccination is highly effective prevention for the disease.

What can I do to be proactive? Some general safety tips are:

1. Never handle sick or injured wildlife, leave that to the professional at your local animal control office or police department
2. If your pet has an encounter with wildlife (is attacked by or bites a wildlife species) wear rubber gloves when cleaning your pet and contact your veterinarian about getting a booster vaccine for your pet; if you are bitten by a wildlife species contact your physician or local health department or emergency room for assistance
3. Finally keep you pets current on their rabies vaccines. Contact us to schedule your appointment.

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