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6-8-2006 |
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AGRICULTURE COMMISSIONER WARNS OF RABIES VACCINE PROBLEM Commissioner of Agriculture Gus R. Douglass is warning pet owners that their animals may need to be revaccinated against rabies following a voluntary recall of vaccine manufactured by Fort Dodge Animal Health. "There is no indication that the vaccine poses any danger to animals that have received it, but Fort Dodge believes it may have failed to provide the duration of protection needed," said Commissioner Douglass. "Pet owners should contact their local veterinarian to discuss whether or not another treatment is necessary." The recalled serum is "Rabvac 3TF vaccine Serial 873113A," according to documents from Fort Dodge . It was released in November 2004 and expires June 29, 2006 . Fort Dodge says it has notified veterinarians and will provide new vaccine and $25 per animal to cover the cost of revaccinating at-risk animals. The West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) has also notified veterinarians in the state about the issue. State Veterinarian Joe Starcher noted that rabies is very serious, even though people tend to be less concerned about it than lower-risk diseases. "Bird flu is a concern, but rabies is right here right now and it is an extremely dangerous disease to all mammals. It is always fatal unless treatment measures are taken immediately after exposure," he said. "State law requires that pets be vaccinated every two years and owners should comply with that law for their own protection." Pets can contract the disease from wild animals and then pass it to unwitting humans, particularly children, before symptoms appear, he added. Commissioner Douglass also noted that approved rabies vaccines are available for cattle, sheep and horses. "Those with valuable animals should definitely consider vaccinating them. A couple of dollars for a vaccination is a small price to pay to protect your investment, especially if you live in an area where rabies is prevalent." 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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