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10-14-05 |
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RABIES, WEST NILE CONTINUE TO PLAGUE GREENBRIER COUNTY AREA Commissioner of Agriculture Gus R. Douglass reminds everyone to have their pets vaccinated against rabies and to protect their horses from mosquitoes that can carry West Nile Virus. In recent weeks, Greenbrier County has had two bats test positive for rabies and a bird was confirmed with West Nile Virus (WNV). "It seems as though Greenbrier County has had particular problems with rabies in recent months," said Commissioner Douglass. "People there should be especially vigilant for any suspicious wild animals and should make sure their pets are up-to-date on their vaccinations." Unvaccinated pets can become infected and pass the disease on to unwitting humans before becoming symptomatic themselves. "Rabies is an extremely dangerous disease to all mammals and is always fatal if left untreated," said State Veterinarian Joe Starcher. "State law requires that pets be vaccinated every two years and owners should comply with that law for their own protection." The West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) has participated in a program in recent years to help slow the westward spread of rabies. USDA-Wildlife Service's Oral Rabies Vaccination program air-dropped nearly two million vaccine-laden baits throughout West Virginia. Dr. Starcher also said that horses are particularly susceptible to WNV. "Although only a small percentage of people have anything to worry about from West Nile , it kills approximately half the horses that contract it," he said. "The only way for horses to get the disease is through the bite of infected mosquitoes, so getting rid of standing water around barns is one way to help protect your horses. There are also vaccines available. Horse owners should contact their local veterinarians for more information. Seven animals have tested positive for rabies in Greenbrier County during 2005. Rabies also was found in two raccoons, a cat, a lamb and a skunk. The county has found WNV in birds the past three years, but there have been no human cases of WNV in West Virginia since 2003. The West Virginia Department of Agriculture protects plant, animal and human health through a variety of scientific, regulatory and consumer protection programs, as mandated by state law. The Commissioner of Agriculture is one of six statewide elected officials in West Virginia. Currently, Commissioner Gus R. Douglass is the longest-serving agriculture commissioner in the nation. For more information, visit www.wvagriculture.org. |
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