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Published on October 31, 2024
Sacramento Pet Owners Urged to Vaccinate as Rabies Situation IntensifiesSource: City of Sacramento

In response to a recent string of rabies cases in the Sacramento vicinity, the local Front Street Animal Shelter has issued a call for pet owners to ensure their animals are properly vaccinated and licensed. This appeal follows an incident involving a skunk that bit a visitor near the Sacramento Zoo. "One of the reasons owners are required to license their pets is to create a system to ensure everyone is complying with rabies vaccine requirements," said Phillip Zimmerman, manager at the Front Street Animal Shelter, according to an article by the Sacramento City Express.

Rabies is a lethal disease, but it's preventable if immediate medical attention is administered. The state’s health department recognizes all California counties as rabies areas. Zimmerman noted that the consequences of pets being exposed to rabies without vaccination are grave. An unvaccinated pet in contact with a rabies-positive animal must be euthanized for testing. Conversely, a vaccinated pet is subjected to only a 30-day quarantine with a requirement for boosters following exposure.

Pet licensing in Sacramento acts as the definitive record of vaccination and is a legal obligation for pet owners. It helps in safeguarding both pets and the broader community from the risks of rabies. Zimmerman reiterates the vital step for animal owners: "It is essential to license your animal when you get a rabies vaccine," as reported by the Sacramento City Express. Vaccinations are available through private vets, as well as free or inexpensive clinics offered in the community.

The infection, which can take on various symptoms such as aggression or paralysis, brings 60,000 Americans under treatment per year. Sacramento residents are encouraged to keep an eye out for these signs, and licensing details and vaccination clinics can be found on the city's pet licensing web page. Rabies carriers typically include skunks, bats, and other wildlife, whereas species such as possums and squirrels are less likely candidates and do not set off testing protocols.

If a local resident suspects an animal of harboring rabies, contacting the city's animal control agency is crucial. In Sacramento, this can be done by dialing 311. More information about rabies and its indications is available through resources such as the American Veterinary Medical Association. The health and safety of the community depend on the vigilance and compliance of pet owners in these matters.