Rabid Animals Pose Threat to Pets and People

Orange County just confirmed six more cases of rabies, bringing theirtotal to 52 since the first case was discovered there in July of lastyear. Scientists say once rabies hits an area, it will never go away. But there are things you can do to protect your family and your pets.

Virginia McIlwain loves her cat Muffin. That's why she wasn't hesitantto pet a neighbor's cat on the road in front her house. But a seeminglyaffectionate cat instead attacked Virginia's ankle.

The wound is healing, but the cat was not vaccinated for rabies, so Virginiais now receiving shots to prevent the disease.

Virginia's mother realized that the chance of Virginia contracting the disease was low, but she couldn't take the risk with this being a fatalillness.

Situations like this one have prompted the Orange County Animal ProtectionSociety to handout rabies information. They say all pets should bevaccinated and wear tags to prove it. They say you should avoid contactwith wild animals. That also means getting rid of trash or pet food whichmay attract wild animals.

Animal Protection Director Pat Sanford warns people to be aware of what arabid animal looks like. Any abnormal behavior like staggering or comingout during daylight hours should be an alert. If you see such an animalgot up to other animals, adults, or to your door, don't hesitate to call911.

Virginia has learned some lessons from here experience. Don't approachany animal you don't know very well, especially now that rabies is in thearea.

Rabies is spread mainly through bites, but if you have a scratch or acut and have had contact with the saliva of a rabid animal you may also beat risk.

If you are bitten by a rabid animal, act quickly. Wash any exposed skinwith soap and water, scrubbing for at least 10 minutes. Call your doctorright away and describe what has happened. Free rabies vaccines areavailable if you qualify.