For Immediate Release

From: Four Corners Health Department, serving Butler, Polk, Seward, and York Counties

Contact:  Vicki L. Duey, 402-362-2621 or toll free 877-337-3573

Date:  July 12, 2011

Title:  RABIES

On July 11, 2011, a bat in York County tested positive for rabies.  The bat was submitted by Dr. Koch from the Gloystein Veterinarian in York.  Nebraska reported 53 cases or rabies last year.  The number of positive cases in Nebraska for 2010 can be found at:  http://www.dhhs.ne.gov/srd/rabies10.htm (this is the 19th case we have confirmed for 2011, 12 skunks, 3 horses, 1 cat, 2 bovine and 1 bat). 

The risk of exposure to rabies is rea, but the disease is preventable in both humans and domestic animals.  In the US, there are around 7,000 animal rabies cases diagnosed every year.  In the mid-west, skunks and bats are the main sources and the most common animal species positive for rabies.  Domestic pets and livestock can be infected from exposure to these wildlife sources of rabies.  Rabies prevention consists of vaccinating domestic animals, education of humans to avoid exposures, and providing exposed persons with prompt post-exposure rabies prophylaxis.  The World Health Organization reports that 50,000 people die of rabies infection world-wide every year.

Local health experts offer these tips to prevent rabies:

• Have your veterinarian vaccinate all dogs, cats, ferrets, horses, and valuable livestock against rabies.

• If bitten by an animal, seek medical attention and report the bite to Four Corners Health Department or animal control department immediately.

• If your animal is bitten, contact your veterinarian for advice.

• Do not handle, or feed wild animals.  Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home.

• If wild animals appear sick or injured, call animal control or an animal rescue agency for assistance.

• Teach children never to handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly.

If you have additional questions, please contact your veterinarian or the Four Corners Health Department at 402-362-2621 or toll free 877-337-3573.