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Rabies Exposure Can Come From CattleBy Arden
Wohlers DVM Nebraska is currently experiencing an outbreak of rabies in animals after many years with few cases. The last time rabies in the state peaked was in 1981 with nearly 200 animal cases diagnosed that year. After many years with few cases, people have become complacent about this deadly disease. Last year there were 97 cases of rabies in Nebraska and already this year there has been 84 cases. Rabies has been diagnosed in skunks, bats, cats and cattle so far this year but can occur in many animals. Of the 84 rabies positive animals 13 have been cattle. Of the 21 human exposure cases 6 have came from contact with cattle. Although rabies is highly fatal, human deaths have been virtually eliminated due to modern day treatments. Treatment for rabies is so successful that human fatalities associated with rabies occur in people who fail to seek medical assistance, usually because they were unaware of their exposure. Cattle become a risk to people because a common rabies symptom is drooling and the animal gets examined for having an object lodged in its mouth. Cattle may also show signs of rabies common of all animals such as viciousness, staggering, straining or appearing drowsy or paralyzed. Saliva from a rabid animal can infect through a fresh skin wound that was present or when the animal bites. In rare cases rabies can be acquired by inhalation of infected material. The brain of the animal suspected of having rabies must be microscopically examined in a laboratory for diagnosis. Exposure to a possible rabid animal should be dealt with promptly. First, thoroughly wash the wound with soap and hot water, then positively identify the biting animal and confine it. Contact your physician immediately for their treatment recommendations, which may vary depending on whether the animal can be tested or not. Post exposure treatment for rabies consists of an injection of antibodies against rabies and five injections of rabies vaccine over a four-week period. Rabies in humans is fatal without treatment. Dr. Annette Bredthauer, Nebraska Public Health Veterinarian recommends reducing your chances of contracting rabies by vaccinating your pets against rabies to protect them and to protect you from being exposed to rabies through them. Wear plastic gloves if you must handle your pets after a wildlife encounter. Rabies vaccine is also available for horses, cattle and sheep. If pets or livestock are acting strangely and drooling, they should be examined by a veterinarian. Don’t put your bare hands in their mouth. Stay clear of stray animals and avoid wildlife that act abnormally; report them to animal control authorities. Clean up piles of brush or debris that would provide attractive habitat for skunks and be careful not to attract them with food left out for pets. She also states that rabies
is less prevalent in western Nebraska because of a lower concentration
of skunks. Historically western Nebraska has seen a higher incidence of
rabies in the bat population. Therefore it is wise to use extreme caution
or avoid handling bats. |