Friday,  April 12, 2013 • Vol. 14--No. 267 • 4 of 31 •  Other Editions

(Continued from page 3)

salivation, abnormal bellowing, persistent heat cycles, and incoordination. Contact a veterinarian right away if you suspect rabies in an animal and avoid contact with the saliva of that animal.
• "Rabies vaccine is available for cattle, but routine vaccination of cattle herds isn't practical," Daly said. "However, show animals and others that have a lot of human contact should be vaccinated for rabies starting in the spring. The vaccine for cattle is good for one year and has a 21-day withdrawal period." 
• In addition to vaccinating pets and other animals that have frequent human contact, reduce the risk of rabies with these precautions:
• Do not handle, adopt, or attempt to feed wild animals. Teach children to avoid animals they don't know and to tell you immediately if they are bitten or scratched by any animal.
• Avoid any animal, wild or domestic, that behaves strangely and immediately report it to your local veterinarian, animal control, conservation, or law enforcement office.
• Do not handle dead, sick or injured animals. If you must, use heavy gloves, sticks, or other tools to avoid direct contact. Farmers and ranchers should wear gloves and protective eyewear when treating sick animals to prevent exposure to saliva.
• Close outdoor trash containers tightly to avoid attracting skunks and raccoons.
• Clear wood or junk piles from homes to deter wild animals from moving in.
• Do not handle bats. If bats are found in a room with small children or sleeping people, call the Department of Health, your physician, or local animal control officer. 

(Continued on page 5)

© 2013 Groton Daily Independent • To send correspondence, click here.