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6-5-2003 |
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COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE WARNS OF RABID WILDLIFE Commissioner of Agriculture Gus R. Douglass issued a warning to West Virginia pet and livestock owners, particularly those in the eastern part of the state, to beware of rabid wildlife following reports that a Morgan County man and his son have been bitten by a rabid fox. “It is vitally important that everyone be extremely vigilant of wild animals that appear sick or that are acting strangely,” said Commissioner Douglass. “Rabies is a deadly disease and the West Virginia Department of Agriculture, along with other state and federal agencies, is committed to halting the westward spread of this disease.” The primary tool to combat the spread of rabies is the Oral Rabies Vaccination (ORV) Bait Drop, which will be conducted for the third year sometime in mid-August. The ORV Program is a cooperative effort among the USDA/Wildlife
Services, West Virginia Department of Agriculture, West Virginia
Department of Health and Human Resources and West Virginia Division
of Natural Resources Another important method of rabies control is vaccination of pets, according to State Veterinarian Dr. Joe Starcher. “State law requires that all dogs and cats over three months of age be vaccinated against rabies every two years,” said Dr. Starcher. “This is not just to protect the animals. Rabies can be transmitted to pets, which then can transmit the disease to humans. Anyone who contracts the disease – or who may have contracted the disease – must receive immediate medical treatment. Rabies left untreated is 100 percent fatal.” Dr. Starcher added that local veterinarians often offer reduced-rate rabies inoculations. Pet owners should watch for local announcements on dates and times. In the first quarter of this year, 17 animals have tested positive for the disease, according to statistics compiled by the West Virginia Bureau for Public Health. The project’s primary aim is to vaccinate raccoons, which are notorious for carrying and transmitting rabies, thereby halting the westward spread of the disease. Wildlife Services is collecting raccoons suspected of having rabies in selected counties throughout the state to help monitor the spread of the disease. Residents of Boone, Calhoun, Kanawha, Logan, McDowell, Mingo, Pleasants, Ritchie, Roane, Tyler, Wirt and Wyoming counties who spot a suspicious raccoon should call toll-free 866/487-3297. Due to budget constrains, Wildlife Services cannot collect raccoons in other counties. Suspected cases of rabies in other counties should be reported to the local health department. |
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©2001, 2002 West Virginia Department of Agriculture, All Rights Reserved |
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