Clinic for dogs, cats and horses
April 25th from 8 to 10 at Wayside Park in DeFuniak Springs (intersection of Hwy 90 and Hwy 331 South)
Clinic will be for dogs and cats, horses will be able to receive their Coggins
If you have any questions please contact the Health Department at 850-892-8021 ext 1137
Sponsored by: Dogwood Acres Veterinary Clinic, Walton County Health Department, Walton County Animal Control
RABIES
How is rabies transmitted? Rabies is transmitted in the saliva from an infected animal that comes in contact with the mucosal membranes or a fresh wound of a person or another animal.
Which animal species are considered high risk for rabies? Raccoons, bats, skunks, coyote, fox, otter, bobcats and unvaccinated dogs, cats and ferrets are considered high risk for rabies infection in Florida.
How long does a pet that is responsible for biting or scratching a person or another animal, have to be isolated and observed for signs of rabies? Minimum of 10 days
How long and where does an animal that has been bitten or scratched by another animal suspected to have rabies, have to be quarantined? If the biting animal is not available for testing or observation (as appropriate), pets with current rabies vaccination can be quarantined for 45 days at home. Pets without current rabies vaccination should be euthanized or quarantined for 180 days at an appropriate facility.
What you can do to help prevent the spread of rabies
Be a responsible pet owner:
• Keep vaccinations up-to-date for all dogs, cats and ferrets. This requirement is important not only to keep your pets from getting rabies, but also to provide a barrier of protection to you, if your animal is bitten by a rabid wild animal.
• If your pet is bitten by a wild animal, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately.
• Call your local animal control agency to remove any stray animals from your neighborhood. They may be unvaccinated and could be infected by the disease.
• Teach children never to handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly. “Love your own, leave other animals alone” is a good principle for children to learn.
What do you need to do if you or your animals are bitten?
First please seek medical attention if necessary.
Call the Health Department at 850-892-8021
Never euthanize the animal that will damage the head in any way. (This part of the body is crucial in testing for rabies). Place any deceased animal involved in the bite in garbage bags in a cool place; preferably in a cooler on some ice. The Health Department will make arrange for the animal to be picked up and tested for rabies.