Did you know that state law requires pet owners to have their pets vaccinated against rabies?
The statute states that all owned cats, dogs and ferrets must be vaccinated for rabies. It’s important to keep all vaccinations up-to-date, but especially rabies, said veterinarian Alex Besermenji with Franklin Animal Hospital.
Besermenji spoke with Bill Harris Tuesday during the recurring Pets and People segment of The Local Skinny!
“Rabies is a viral disease,” Besermenji explained, most commonly seen in wildlife like raccoons, coyotes, foxes and bats. Unvaccinated pets that are bitten by rabid animals face a bleak outcome. The disease is incurable, he said.
“Once the virus enters the nerve system, it works all the way up to the brain. There is no cure.”
Although rabies isn’t often seen in cats, Besermenji said the feral cat population may be more at risk than our domesticated tabbies and torties.
The fact of the matter is, any mammal may contract rabies. And prevention with a one-year or three-year vaccine given at the vet’s office or at clinics offered regularly be local animal shelters is what keeps all our furry friends safe.
Franklin Animal Hospital is located at 501 W. Mason St. in Franklinton, just off U.S. 1.
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