Rabies is an acute, almost always fatal viral disease affecting the nervous system including the brain.  It can infect man and all warm blooded animals.  Although rabies occurs throughout the world, a few countries and areas are free of the disease due to successful, aggressive eradication programs, their island status and/or the enforcement of rigorous vaccination and quarantine regulations. No areas within the continental United States are free of rabies.  However, vaccines which greatly reduce the risk of becoming infected are available and, in many jurisdictions, required by law.  Pennsylvania is one of those jurisdictions.

             Pennsylvania law requires all dogs and non-feral cats to be vaccinated against rabies at three months of age, revaccinated one year later, and revaccinated periodically to maintain “vaccinated” status throughout their lives.  As some vaccines confer one year immunity and others three year immunity, the frequency of those additional vaccinations is determined by the vaccine used.  Interestingly, one vaccine has been tested and approved for use in cats at four year intervals. However, Pennsylvania Law requires revaccination at no more than three years.  In Pennsylvania, owners of dogs and cats which are not current on their rabies vaccinations are subject to monetary penalties.

             Vaccinating our dogs and non-feral cats is a very important public health--and family health--issue.  In the northeastern states, including Pennsylvania, rabies is prevalent in our wildlife population, especially raccoons and skunks.  While there is relatively little risk of people becoming exposed to rabies through direct contact with wildlife, dogs and cats are a greater risk of exposure, and, if unvaccinated, could develop rabies and expose family members to this very dangerous virus.  Even indoor cats pose a risk of being exposed to rabies and are not exempt from the law requiring vaccination.  Each year, in Pennsylvania, several indoor cats are exposed to rabid bats in their homes.

             Vaccines are also available for use in cattle, ferrets, horses and sheep.  Although the Pennsylvania Law does not require vaccination of these animals, vaccination is highly recommended.

             Do we get the message?  At a minimum, each of us needs to assure that our dogs and cats are rabies vaccinated so that we may protect them and reduce the risk that our family, friends and neighbors could be exposed to this horrible disease.  We will look further into this interesting disease in our August and September issues.

Written by: Grandad