Re: TX: 5 people test positive for rabies in The Colony
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Location of The Colony in Denton County, Texas</SMALL>
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Colony,_Texas</SMALL>
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Police Department
CHIEF JOSEPH T. CLARK
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 22, 2013
Pet tests positive for rabies in The Colony
THE COLONY, Texas ? A positive case of rabies in a domestic dog was confirmed in The Colony on Friday, July 19. The dog was a pet and lived in the 6800 block of Curry Drive.
On July 13, the rabid dog bit a child. On July 15 and July 17, the dog bit two adults in the household. These animal bites were not initially reported to The Colony Animal Services. On July 18, the dog became ill and was taken to a vet. The vet immediately reported the bites to The Colony Animal Services, at which time the animal was submitted for a rabies test.
The positive test results were reported to The Colony Animal Services on Friday, July 19. Upon receiving the test results, The Colony Animal Services worked in conjunction with the Department of State Health Services to notify the known victims and identify other potential victims, directing them to treatment facilities. A total of five people are being treated for positive exposure to the rabies virus.
It is The Colony Animal Services? opinion that this dog was likely exposed to rabies via contact with feral cats. It was reported that a number of feral cats are being fed in the neighborhood and many of these cats were caught eating and drinking from the rabid dog?s dish.
Following are some tips to keep you and your pet(s) safe and healthy:
? Obey leash laws, which apply to ALL domestic animals. Animals allowed to roam can come into contact with wild animals, of which five (raccoons, skunks, bats, coyotes and foxes) are categorized as high risk for contracting and carrying the rabies virus. If your cat is allowed outside, off leash and unsupervised, it can come into contact with a rabid wild animal, bring the virus home and infect your other pets and your family.
? Do not feed stray/feral/wild animals. Free food draws stray/feral/wild animals into neighborhoods. These animals are at a much higher risk of contracting, carrying and spreading the rabies virus than domestic animals which are kept restrained or contained at all times.
? Vaccinate your pets. The state mandates all dogs and cats four months old and older be vaccinated against rabies.
? If you feed your dog outside, do not leave food dishes outside for extended periods of time.
In an effort to reduce the likelihood of repeated positive rabies cases, The Colony Animal Services will be increasing patrols for stray/at-large animals, verifying rabies vaccinations of all animals officers come into contact with as well as providing the opportunity for reduced cost rabies vaccinations. A low-cost vaccination clinic will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Aug. 24 at the shelter, 4720 E Lake Highlands. Rabies vaccinations will be available for only $5.
For more information, call the shelter at 972-370-9250.
http://thecolonytx.gov/documents/20130722Rabies.pdf
http://www.ci.the-colony.tx.us/PressReleases.asp
