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The number of reported rabies cases declined in 2005, according to a recent report in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (Schaumburg, 111.). However, veterinarians and public health officials are still urging pet owners to vaccinate against the virus.
Vaccinating dogs and cats is the most effective method of controlling rabies,
which attacks the nervous system and is almost always fatal once symptoms occur.
There were 6,417 reported cases of animal rabies in the United States and Puerto Rico in 2005, a 6.2 percent decrease from 6,836 cases reported in 2004, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Atlanta). Only one case of rabies in a human was reported in 2005, down from eight cases in 2004.
Rabies continues to be a bigger problem among wild animals than among domestic animals. Wild animals primarily raccoons, skunks, bats and foxes accounted for more than 92 percent of all rabies cases in 2005.
However, because pets are likely to come into contact with wild animals, it is important to be vigilant about regular vaccinations, especially for cats. Cats led the list of domestic animals with reported cases of rabies in 2005. According to the CDC, there were 269 reported cases of rabies in cats in 2005, versus 76 dog related cases.
Cats have more interactions with wildlife and are more likely to be bitten by a rabid animal, said Jesse Blanton, an epidemiologist witii the CDC. Furthermore, cats don't always get the necessary vaccinations.
"Our general belief is that people are doing a good job vaccinating their dogs, but not their cats," Blanton said. "We have controlled canine rabies through the vaccine of domestic dogs. It does work."
The simple act of vaccinating a pet, Blanton said, provides protection to the animal and the humans in its life.
Veterinarians can advise pet owners about the recommended or required frequency of vaccinations needed.
Because Cats are more likely to be bitten by a rabid animal, cats led the list of domestic animals with reported cases of rabies in 2005.
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