CAMERON  VETERINARY

Rabies:

Between March, 2008 and 2009, no additional rabies cases were reported in northern New Mexico. Rabies cases continue to occur in southern New Mexico.  Because of this and because the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) has adopted rabies vaccination as one of it's core recommended vaccinations for horses, I recommend that all horses be vaccinated for rabies this spring.

Between November of 2007 and March of 2008, 3 cases of rabies in skunks have been found in Taos County. (See press releases below.) This is not in our backyard, but is nearby as wildlife travel, especially if you plan to do any riding and camping in the Pecos Wilderness or northern Sangre  de Cristo mountains.

Historically, according to the CDC records,  rabies in wildlife species has a seasonal increase in incidence during the spring and summer. I am updated via e-mail by the New Mexico Department of Health if and when new cases occur. 

 Let me know about travel plans with your horses so that we can discuss how best to protect them not only from rabies but other diseases they may encounter on the road.

NEW MEXICO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

Secretary Dr. Alfredo Vigil

March3,2008                                                           

State Confirms Rabies in Taos County Skunk

(Santa Fe) The New Mexico Department of Health reported today that a skunk from the Peñasco area of Taos County tested positive for rabies. Rabies is a fatal disease if it is not treated before symptoms develop. The Department of Health recommends pet owners vaccinate their animals to protect them from rabies.

Two skunks, both from near the town of Taos, tested positive for rabies in summer and fall of 2007. Several people in Taos County have noticed an increase in skunks and skunk carcasses found along the road, said Dr. Paul Ettestad, the Department’s public health veterinarian. 

“Pet and horse owners need to protect their animals by having them up-to-date on their rabies vaccines. This will also protect your children and other family members from rabies if your dog or cat tangles with a rabid skunk,” Ettestad said. “Animals that are not vaccinated and are bitten by a rabid animal can be dangerous and needlessly expose people to rabies before they die.”

It is easy to prevent rabies by taking the following precautions:

• Do not handle wild animals. Feed your pets indoors and do not toss table scraps into your yard.
• Teach your children to stay away from wild animals or animals they don’t know.
• If skunks or other wild animals are lurking around your yard and acting sick or abnormal contact your local animal control department.
• Supervise your pets to prevent exposure. Obey leash laws and keep your pets restrained.
• If another person’s pet bites your pet, try to find the owner. Contact your local animal control department and call your veterinarian, even if the wound is superficial.

If you are bitten or scratched, follow these guidelines:

·        Wash all wounds and contact areas thoroughly with soap and water.

·        Contact your physician immediately for evaluation. The Department of Health is available to physicians for consultation about rabies 24/7/365 at 505-827-0006.

·        Call the local animal control department to report the incident; provide them with an accurate description of the animal.

·        Try to keep the animal confined, but don’t risk further injury if the animal is dangerous.

·        Keep children away from all animals involved.

For more information about rabies in New Mexico, check out the Department of Health’s website: www.health.state.nm.us.

Secretary Dr. Alfredo Vigil

 November28,2007                                                     

Department of Health Reminds Public to Vaccinate Animals

(Santa Fe) -- The New Mexico Department of Health reported today that a skunk from Taos County tested positive for rabies, and a pet dog exposed to the infected skunk is receiving a booster dose of rabies vaccine to prevent it from developing the deadly viral disease.

The skunk attacked the dog and was very aggressive before it died. This is the second skunk from Taos County that has tested positive for rabies this year. These are the first rabies positive skunks from Taos County looking back at records since 1966.

Rabies is a fatal disease if it is not treated before symptoms develop. The Department of Health reminds people that it is important to vaccinate their animals to protect them from rabies.

 “The movement of skunk rabies into Taos County should serve as a wake-up call to people who have pets, horses and other livestock that there are wild animals in the area infected with rabies,” said Dr. Paul Ettestad, the Department’s public health veterinarian. “Owners of valuable livestock should consult with their veterinarian about protecting these animals by giving them rabies vaccine. Animals can die if they are not vaccinated and are bitten by a rabid animal.”

For Immediate Release:                  

March 27, 2009 

Department of Health Confirms Rabies in a Coyote from Grant County

Pet and Livestock Owners Encouraged to Vaccinate their Animals

(Las Cruces) -- The New Mexico Department of Health confirmed today that a coyote from Grant County tested positive for rabies. The coyote was found near the town of Gila. A fox from near Cliff and another from near San Lorenzo also tested positive for rabies within the last three weeks. So far this year five foxes, two bobcats and a coyote have tested positive for rabies in Grant County. 

To help prevent the spread of rabies the Department of Health is encouraging all pet and livestock owners to vaccinate their dogs, cats, horses and other valuable livestock against the disease. 

“The confirmation of rabies in a coyote as well as two bobcats shows that fox rabies can spread into other animal species and be a threat to people, their pets and livestock,” said Dr. Paul Ettestad, public health veterinarian for the Department of Health.  “New Mexico residents need to be vigilant in their efforts to prevent rabies from affecting their families and their animals.”

Ettestad said the coyote was most likely infected by a rabid fox.  A specimen from the coyote will be sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta to determine the strain of rabies. Fox rabies has been a problem in Arizona for decades and was first detected in New Mexico in the Glenwood area of Catron County in 2007. Rabies is a fatal disease that can be prevented with vaccination, but not cured once it has been diagnosed.

The Department of Health recommends the following guidelines to help protect against rabies:

• If you see a sick or dead wild animal or a wild animal that is acting abnormally in this area, report it to New Mexico Department of Game and Fish at (505) 532-2100. Rabid animals may show no fear of people and may even seem friendly or become aggressive.
• Keep pets on a leash at all times.  Pets should be up-to-date on rabies vaccinations and wearing current license tags on their collar. If your cat or dog has been bitten or scratched, call your pet’s veterinarian, even if the wound is superficial.
• Horses and other valuable livestock should be considered for rabies vaccination to protect them from wild rabid animals that may attack them.
• Stay away from wild or unfamiliar animals. Do not attempt to feed, approach or touch wild animals. Teach this important message to your children, and keep a close eye on your kids at all times. 

·        If you or a loved-one are bitten by an animal or come into contact with an animal’s saliva, wash the exposed site immediately with soap and water. Be sure to report the bite to local animal control and seek medical care as soon as possible.  

In 2008 there were 28 cases of rabies in New Mexico, including 18 foxes and one dog in the southwestern area of New Mexico.  There were 14 foxes and one dog with rabies in Grant County, two foxes in Catron County and one fox each in Sierra and Hidalgo Counties. 

For more information about rabies call the New Mexico Department of Health at (505) 827-0006, or visit the Department of Health website at http://www.nmhealth.org/epi/rabies.html.