- Animal rabies cases continue to drop
- PIERRE – The number of animal rabies cases in South Dakota dropped to 27 in 2007, the fourth straight year of decline and the lowest number of cases in more than 45 years. There were 37 cases in 2006 and 68 in 2005.
- A total of 27 animals tested positive for rabies out of 633 submitted in 2007. The wild rabid animals included 16 skunks and 4 bats. Seven domestic animals tested positive and included 2 cattle, 2 dogs, 2 cats and 1 goat. There were no human rabies cases in South Dakota in 2007. The last human case was reported in the state in 1970.
- The risk of rabies is statewide, although all but six of the state’s rabies detections in 2007 were East River. In South Dakota, the common skunk is the primary rabies reservoir animal and bats may also carry the disease.
- Infected wild animals can pass rabies to pets or livestock, which can in turn expose humans. "Even wild animals that appear docile can be rabid so it’s important that people don’t attempt to catch or handle wildlife,” said Dr. Lon Kightlinger, State Epidemiologist for the Department of Health.
- Because there is a large rabies reservoir in South Dakota’s skunk populations, State Veterinarian Dr. Sam Holland recommended annual rabies vaccination for pets. “It’s not practical to vaccinate all livestock against rabies but it’s a good idea for those that are very valuable or are in frequent contact with people, for example, horses that are kept close to dwellings or used frequently by kids,” said Dr. Holland.
- Reduce the risk of rabies by taking the following precautions:
- Vaccinate pet dogs and cats for rabies.
- Do not handle, adopt, or attempt to feed wild animals. Teach children to avoid wildlife, strays or animals they don't know and to tell you immediately if they are bitten or scratched by any animal.
- Avoid any animal, wild or domestic, that behaves strangely and immediately report it to your local veterinarian, animal control, conservation, or law enforcement office.
- Skunks and bats, rabies reservoir species, should not be used in school or petting zoo displays where direct contact with the public is possible.
- Do not handle dead, sick or injured animals. If you must, use heavy gloves, sticks, or other tools to avoid direct contact. Farmers and ranchers should wear gloves and protective eyewear when treating sick animals to prevent exposure to saliva.
- Close outdoor trash containers tightly to avoid attracting skunks and raccoons.
- Clear wood or junk piles away from houses to discourage wild animals from moving in.
- Do not handle bats. If bats are found in a room with small children or sleeping people, call the Department of Health, your physician, or your local animal control officer.
- If you suspect rabies in a wild animal, pet or livestock, contact your veterinarian immediately for advice on how to proceed. If you have a potential exposure to rabies, immediately wash the affected area with soap and water and call your doctor or the Department of Health. Your veterinarian will instruct you as to handling of animals involved. If the animal is dead, save the carcass for laboratory examination, being careful not to damage the head. If the animal is alive, try to capture it for examination or observation but be sure to avoid further exposure. If the animal escapes, note its description for later identification. If people are bitten or scratched by a rabid animal, human disease can be prevented by getting the rabies vaccination.
