CONTACT: Ria Brown, Lee County Animal Services
(239) 432-2090 Ext. 241
AGENCIES URGE OWNERS TO HAVE PETS VACCINATED FOR RABIES
Lee County Animal Services to Take Zero Tolerance Position
Fort Myers, Florida, February 9, 2004 – Lee County is adopting a Zero-Tolerance Policy for animals not vaccinated against the threat of rabies. Lee County Animal Services has formed a coalition with the Lee County Health Department and the Caloosa Veterinary Medical Society to increase vaccinations of dogs, cats, and ferrets against rabies. The new public policy will require proof of vaccination on all pets or mandatory citations will be issued.
The month of February will launch the initiative with public notices and education. Beginning March 1, 2004, there will be no warnings issued if an animal is found in violation of state and local laws requiring rabies vaccination. A citation will be issued. This policy change is the result of increased cases of rabies and the lack of action by the public when warnings and educational notices have been issued in the past. Area veterinary clinics charge reasonable prices for rabies vaccinations. Pet owners should call their local veterinarian for prices and to schedule appointments. A fine associated with the citation for failure to vaccinate is up to $500 per animal.
Rabies control programs are designed to protect people and their pets from rabies that exists in the wild animal population. As population growth continues in Lee County, and certain wildlife are placed closer to human and pet populations, the risk of exposure increases. In the 18-month period from January 2002 to June 2003, the state lab confirmed 286 positive rabies cases statewide. Of that number, 15 cats and five dogs tested positive. There were two confirmed rabies positive cats that caused human exposure to the disease in Lee County in the past three years. Few people realize that the greatest risk of rabies exposure for cats is when food is left outside for them and wildlife also feeds from that food source.
Rabies is a virus that affects the central nervous system. The virus is primarily spread through the saliva of infected animals transmitted by a bite or scratch. Rabies is fatal in both humans and animals, and unfortunately once symptoms of the disease develop it is often too late to prevent death from the disease. The National Institute of Health reports that as many as 18,000 Americans annually must be treated for rabies exposure. In Lee County 153 people received treatment for possible rabies exposure from 2001 to 2003.
State law requires that the rabies vaccine be provided by a licensed veterinarian who shall provide a certificate of vaccination. Owners may not legally vaccinate their own animals against rabies. If your pet is not currently protected against the threat of rabies, or if you are uncertain if your animal is up-to-date on its vaccinations, please contact a local veterinarian for an appointment.
For more information about rabies visit www.LeeLostPets.com for resource links or call Lee County Animal Services at (239) 432-2083.
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