Beech Tree News Network

Two animals in Butler County have tested positive for rabies according to John Morgan of the Barren River District Health Department.  The animals were a skunk and a feeder calf (steer) both on the same farm in the Sugar Grove area. 

Rabies is a preventable viral disease of mammals most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. The vast majority of rabies cases reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) each year occur in wild animals like raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes.

The rabies virus infects the central nervous system, ultimately causing disease in the brain and death. The early symptoms of rabies in people are similar to that of many other illnesses, including fever, headache, and general weakness or discomfort. As the disease progresses, more specific symptoms appear and may include insomnia, anxiety, confusion, slight or partial paralysis, excitation, hallucinations, agitation, hypersalivation (increase in saliva), difficulty swallowing, and hydrophobia (fear of water). Death usually occurs within days of the onset of these symptoms.

All species of mammals are susceptible to rabies virus infection, but only a few species are important as reservoirs for the disease. In the United States, distinct strains of rabies virus have been identified in raccoons, skunks, foxes, and coyotes. Several species of insectivorous bats are also reservoirs for strains of the rabies virus.

Veterinarian Dr. Steve Hampton, of Heritage Animal Hospital. "Rabies prevention involves making sure your pets are current on rabies vaccinations,( all dogs and cats more than four months of age are required by law to be vaccinated against rabies), taking precautions with wildlife, and always reporting an animal bite or other exposure to their medical provider."

The Rabies Clinic is going on now May 1-12th at Heritage Animal Hospital. Call 270 526-3839 for more information.

Mobile Clinic will be held on May 6, 2017
8-9 am Corner Market-Roundhill
9:30-10:30 am Don Lindsey's, Market
11:00-1:00 pm Morgantown City Pool Parking Lot
1:30-2:30 pm J&J Market- Daviess Cross Roads
3:00-4:00 pm Rochester Park

General Precautions:

•     Do not allow pets to run loose; confine them within a fenced-in area or with a leash.

•     Do not leave uneaten pet food or scraps near your residence.

•     Do not illegally feed or keep wildlife as pets.

•     Do not go near wildlife or domestic animals that are acting in a strange or unusual manner.

•     Caution children not to go near any stray or wild animal, regardless of its behavior.

•     Advise children to tell an adult if they are bitten or scratched by any animal.

•     A person who is bitten or scratched by an animal should wash wounds immediately with mild soap and water, apply first aid, and seek medical attention or contact the county health department immediately.