Each year, more than 55,000 people die from rabies worldwide. However, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), progress is being made thanks to people vaccinating their dogs along with the work that is being done to license and control the stray dog population.
Also according to the CDC, the United States is now declared free of canine rabies. However our border neighbors - Mexico and Canada - are not canine rabies free, although they have made progress.
Rabies literally means "madness" in Latin. In the United States, most rabies is transmitted to humans from bats. A bite from an infected animal eventually causes encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). Untreated, it is almost always fatal in humans.
Elimination of dog-to-dog rabies transmission does NOT mean you can stop vaccinating your dog. Rabies Vaccines for your dog are important, and vaccination is also the law.
If your dog is not vaccinated and bites someone, it is possible he could be euthanized and tested for rabies or quarantined for 6 months (at your expense). The laws vary with each different locale.
This is a very good reason to make sure your dog is vaccinated for rabies and that his vaccine is current. It is also important to maintain his record of vaccination.
courtesy of PetPlace.com dog Lover
Grumps II
a.k.a don,
a.k.a Mr. Heather's dad
