Are you living dangerously? Rabies, while rare, still exists in the USA.
Most years, around 5000 cases of rabies are reported in our country. Currently, 92% of the cases of rabies reported were found to be wildlife. However, especially in our rural and suburban areas at risk, the resurgence of rabies is a constant risk.
Mandatory vaccine regulations by many local communities and states have helped hold rabies numbers down. But that is not enough. While these regulations are in place, they are easy to ignore. There is no one enforcing these regulations unless your animal happens to be picked up by animal control. Also, the fact that many boarding facilities and groomers require current rabies for their services also helps. But the truth is there are many cats and dogs that go outside at least part-time. And that is where the concern comes into play.
Cats and dogs are hunters and may come into contact with a rabid animal, putting you and them at risk. The concern for rabies has been a decreasing concern for most pet owners. As the number of people not keeping their pets properly vaccinated increases, the risk for rabies increases as well.
Rabies is nearly always fatal in people unless you undergo rabies treatment. Don’t put you and your family at risk. Be sure all your pets are current on their rabies including that stray cat that you feed on your back porch.
