September 24, 2024 (AUSTIN, Texas)—In anticipation of World Rabies Day on September 28, Thrive Pet Healthcare emphasizes the critical role of rabies vaccinations for pets. With reported cases of rabies still present in several U.S. states, Thrive Pet Healthcare urges pet owners to ensure their dogs and cats are up to date on their rabies shots to protect both humans and animals.
Rabies, a viral disease primarily spread through the saliva of infected mammals, is nearly always fatal once symptoms appear. Yet, it is entirely preventable through vaccination. According to the World Health Organization, globally, nearly 60,000 people die annually from rabies. At the same time, the U.S. reports fewer than five human cases per year thanks to stringent vaccination programs and public awareness.
In 2024, the top five states with the highest reported animal rabies cases include Texas, Arizona, Pennsylvania, New York, and Virginia. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 90% of rabies cases in the U.S. occur in wildlife, including bats, raccoons, foxes, and skunks, but domestic animals such as dogs and cats are at risk if unvaccinated or their vaccination is not up to date. Also, approximately 60-70 dogs and over 250 cats are diagnosed with rabies annually in the U.S. It’s important to remember that all mammals can be infected with rabies, which illustrates the extreme importance of vaccination against the disease.
“It’s not just dogs; cats and other household pets also need to be vaccinated against rabies,” said Dr. Anthony Coronado, Thrive Pet Healthcare’s Vice President of Emergency Medicine. “Many pets that contract rabies are exposed to wildlife. It’s either because they have not been vaccinated against rabies or their vaccination has lapsed.”
A study
published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association in 2021 revealed that domestic animals, including 216 cats, 40 cattle, and 36 dogs accounted for 94% of rabies cases. Tragically, five human rabies deaths were reported in 2021.
Signs of Rabies in Animals
Identifying rabies in animals without a laboratory test is impossible, but behavioral cues exist. Animals infected with rabies may:
Do not approach or handle any animal that may have rabies, including baby wildlife. Contact animal control immediately for assistance.
“If you receive a notice from your veterinarian reminding you to renew your pet’s rabies vaccine, act promptly,” added Dr. Coronado. “Vaccinating your pets not only safeguards them but also helps prevent the spread of this deadly disease within your community.”
If you or your pet are exposed to a potentially rabid animal, seek immediate medical advice for yourself and contact your veterinarian if your pet is involved. Timely action is critical to prevent infection and save lives.
To locate a Thrive Pet Healthcare location near you, including primary, specialty, urgent and emergency veterinary care services, visit
www.ThrivePetCare.com.
About Thrive Pet Healthcare:
Thrive Pet Healthcare is a leading veterinary service community that uniquely delivers a continuum of care to pet families and services to veterinary hospitals. With an industry-first membership program and more than 380 acute, primary, and specialty providers, Thrive Pet Healthcare offers personalized, accessible care through every stage of a pet’s life and health. The veterinarian-founded organization provides premier benefits for practice staff while elevating privately held veterinary hospitals with innovative service and technology solutions. By focusing on the needs and aspirations of veterinary care providers, Thrive Pet Healthcare is supporting the well-being of the industry and raising the national bar for veterinary excellence. To learn more about Thrive Pet Healthcare, please visit
www.thrivepetcare.com.
