Give pets rabies shots to avoid euthanizing

In 2006, more than 350 unvaccinated dogs and cats were euthanized to be tested for rabies. In Utah, bats are the primary carrier of the virus, but other wild animals such as raccoons, skunks and foxes are considered high risk as well.

When a pet catches, plays with or even touches a bat or other high-risk animal, there is a risk of rabies being spread to the pet. Animals that are current on their rabies vaccine are isolated for 10 days and then given a booster shot. Because it takes time for the disease to become apparent, pets that do not have a current rabies vaccine are either euthanized or held at an approved facility for six months, which can cost the owner thousands of dollars.

The Utah departments of Health and Agriculture and Food urge all Utahns to avoid the heartache of euthanizing pets by assuring their rabies vaccines are up-to-date. The Humane Society of Utah and some local veterinary clinics offer low-cost rabies shots. Utah law requires all domestic dogs, cats and ferrets receive the rabies vaccine.

In the United States, an estimated 30,000 to 40,000 people are exposed to rabies, usually through contact with wild animals, but also through unvaccinated dogs and cats, and must undergo a series of injections to prevent the deadly disease. A wild animal infected with rabies may even appear tame and approachable. In domestic animals, signs of rabies include behavior changes, general sickness, trouble swallowing, increase in saliva or drool or biting at everything if excited.

For more information, visit www.health.utah.gov/epi/diseases/rabies/index.html.