MIAMI, Sept. 26, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- September 28th is World Rabies Day, a time to raise awareness of the deadly disease and educate cat owners on ways to prevent it from attacking their home. Rabies is a fast-acting virus that affects the brain and central nervous system of felines, humans and many other species of animals. Infected pets that are unvaccinated are always put down. To keep your cat and family safe from rabies, petMD.com has pulled together the following five rabies prevention tips.
- Vaccinate: Making sure a cat has had his initial inoculation for rabies and subsequent booster shots is the best way to keep him safe from becoming infected. While cats suspected of coming into contact with the disease should be quarantined up to 10 days, cats and other animals that are unvaccinated are always euthanized.
- Keep Your Cat Indoors: Keeping cats inside the home is another effective method of limiting their potential exposure to rabies. Cats that are allowed to go outdoors can become exposed to the disease without the owner's knowledge and infect other pets or family members inside the home.
- Be Wary of Stray Pets and Wildlife: Do not handle stray, homeless, unsupervised pets or wildlife, especially those that present rabies symptoms. If necessary, contact the local animal control facility to come collect these animals and alert the local public health official to the presence of infected animals.
- Do Not Become a Food Source: Keep trash cans tightly sealed and do not feed animals near your home. This will help prevent potentially infected animals from coming into close contact with pets and family members.
- Seek Medical Attention: If you, a family member, or a pet are bitten by an infected animal, clean the wound with soap and water immediately. Then call your physician, veterinarian, or local public health official for further advice.
Media Contact: Kelly Lange, 610-234-4114, klange@pet360.com
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