The state department of health would like to remind Tennesseans that preventing exposure of people and their pets to the rabies virus is a priority, especially during this time of year.
Tennessee law requires that all dogs and cats be vaccinated against rabies and their shots kept up-to-date. Although cases of rabies in cats in Tennessee are uncommon, there are twice as many rabid cats as dogs in the U.S. To further protect your pets, keep them confined to a controlled area to limit their exposure to wild animals.
Owners are urged to have dogs three months of age or older and cats six months of age or older vaccinated. Store purchased vaccines are not legally acceptable.
In Tennessee and elsewhere in the U.S., the number of rabies cases in domestic animals has declined dramatically due to mandatory vaccination laws for dogs and cats. However, rabies among wildlife (especially skunks, bats, and raccoons) has become more prevalent. The higher the incidence of rabies in wildlife, the greater the risk to domestic animals who act as a buffer zone between wildlife and humans.
Rabies is a deadly virus that is transmitted by bites from an infected animal. Rabies can be prevented if treated promptly before symptoms develop. Left untreated, rabies is nearly always fatal. Although rabies in humans is very rare in the United States today, up to 40,000 people each year receive preventive treatment following an exposure.
Humans can be exposed to rabies when attempting to assist, feed or handle wild animals. If a wild or domestic animal is seen as ill or acting strangely, it should be reported to your local animal control agency. Bats in particular should not be handled. If a bat is found inside, in a swimming pool, or brought home by your pets, use precautions and consult your local health department.
If you are bitten by a wild or domestic animal, or get fresh saliva from the animal into a fresh wound or scratch, then immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water for at least five minutes, and seek medical attention immediately. Local or state health officials should be consulted to help determine if rabies treatment is needed.
A normal, healthy dog or cat that bites a person should be confined and observed for 10 days, and any illness that occurs during confinement should be evaluated by a veterinarian and reported to the local health department. Do not attempt to capture an animal that you suspect has rabies. Notify your local health department or animal control. Rabies in domestic animals can have a variety of signs and symptoms. Rabid animals may display abnormal behavior or an inability to rise or walk or hold the head erect. Drooling and foaming at the mouth are only occasionally observed.
Local vaccination clinics will be held at:
Animal Clinic of Smithville, 440 East Broad Street (Dr. Mark Burke):
• April 15: 8 a.m.-noon.
• April 16: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• April 17: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• April 18: 8 a.m.-noon.
DeKalb County Animal Clinic, 1020 West Broad Street (Dr. Scott Little):
• April 15: 8 a.m.-noon
• April 16: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• April 17: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• April 18: 8 a.m.-noon.
Wheeler Veterinary Clinic, 690 North Congress Boulevard (Dr. Jamie Fornabaio):
• April 14: 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
• April 15: 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
• April 16: 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
• April 17: 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
Vaccinations will be seven dollars at these times and locations.
For more information or assistance with a potential rabies exposure, call the DeKalb County Health Department at 597-7590, or the Tennessee Department of Health emergency line at 615-741-7247.
