WALTZ ANIMAL CLINIC
1300 Osage Drive
Madison, IN  47250
(812) 273-6668
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RABIES NEWS
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The CDC on Thursday reported that an 8-year-old girl survived a rabies infection contracted from contact with feral cats. The girl spent 52 days in the hospital, during which time her brain activity was depressed to allow her immune system to fight the disease. Only three people are known to have survived a rabies infection, and the CDC points out that pet vaccination and avoiding unfamiliar animals are essential for prevention 
Note: January 30,2012-A man died from rabies contracted from a bat bite
The positive bats have been located in Posey, St. Joseph, Marion, and Elkhart counties. One of the pets exposed was not current on its rabies vaccine, and now the owners are required to quarantine their dog for six months. The state of Indiana still requires all dogs, cats and ferrets three months of age and older to be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed and accredited veterinarian.
     There was an incident of a fight of a dog and a raccoon in Pennsylvania on the Montour trail. The health authorities are of the view that the dog should be checked for rabies as it might be at risk because the raccoon, which is now dead, was found to be positive for rabies. 
     The raccoon was killed by a state wildlife officer. The authorities are of the view that the dog, a black Labrador retriever, should be checked for the disease as they were not sure whether or not it had vaccination against the disease. (Note: the only way to "check" for rabies is to have the head of the animal submitted to a laboratory and the brain material examined by that lab-Dr. Waltz )
     The residents of the area have been told to steer clear from stray animals in the vicinity, as they have a high rate of rabies. Meanwhile, the owners of the dog have been urged to get the dog checked and treated as soon as possible so that the risk could be eliminated. (Note: the fact that this poor Lab tangled with a confirmed rabies positive raccoon is very bad, if the Lab was not current on his rabies vaccinations. The owners would then be in the unhappy position of having to confine their dog for 6 months while they watch and wait to see if their dog becomes rabid, or, euthanizing him. Vaccinating a pet after a bite from a rabid animal does not necessarily prevent the development of rabies and confinement/observation for 6 months is still needed-Dr. Waltz) 
“     Spring is the time when owners can help prevent encounters with increasingly active wildlife and stray animals”, county Health Director Bruce Dixon said. 
     “Avoid contact with them and call 911 or the local animal control service. Raccoons have the highest incidence of wildlife rabies in the state (i.e.Pennsylvania, but still possible in Indiana. However, recently most reported positive cases of rabies in Indiana have been in bats. In Kentucky, in 2010, there were 20 cases of rabies positive bats, skunks and raccoons-Dr. Waltz) It is very important to have your dogs and cats vaccinated for rabies to prevent this disease”, he added further. Amen! The only safe and smart thing to do!
Another reason to keep your pets current on their rabies vaccinations!! 
Most people are great about keeping their dog's vaccines current, but tend to forget about their cats. The CDC just released that there have been 21 bats test POSITIVE for Rabies this year, already!! Even if you cat is indoors only (bats like to come in too) they need to be vaccinated!! Not only for health reasons, but because it is the law!