CARMEL – The Putnam County Health Department is reminding residents to get their pets inoculated against the deadly rabies virus.
Marianne Burdick, associate public health sanitarian, who supervises the county’s rabies control program, reported “any mammal can get rabies, but it occurs more frequently in some species than others. Animals are sent for rabies testing when an investigation determines there is risk of rabies exposure in a person or domestic animal.”
Shanna Siegel, supervising public health educator, reported for the first 10 weeks of 2024, the county investigated 77 potential rabies exposures, provided three treatments for potential rabies exposure, sent 10 samples for rabies testing while investigating three positive rabies results in a bat, skunk, and cat.
Siegel said last year, the health department investigated 334 potential rabies exposures as well as providing 25 treatments for potential rabies exposure, sent 72 samples which were tested for rabies with one positive rabies result found in a woodchuck.
A rabies vaccination clinic was held recently at the Putnam Veterans Memorial Park. A total of 325 animals were vaccinated for rabies last year during the county’s three clinics including 219 dogs, 103 cats and 12 ferrets.
Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michael Nesheiwat said rabies is spread through the saliva of an animal. “Once clinical symptoms appear, rabies is nearly 100 percent fatal,” he said.
Putnam’s rabies control program is a 24/7, 365-day a year effort.
Those scratched or bitten by a wild animal or domestic pet should call the Putnam Health Department to ensure a prompt assessment at 845-808-1390. After hours or weekend calls can also be made by phoning 845-808-1390, extension 3. A department spokesman will return the call.
