“World Veterinary Association” – 2 new articles
A Rabies Resurgence
by Craig Blair — Only 24 days left till World Rabies Day 2008! — Source: This summer rabies has been confirmed in two bats found in downtown Lexington and three skunks in Nicholasville. As of July 11, there have been 12 confirmed cases of rabies in domestic and wild animals in central Kentucky. What does this mean to you and your loved ones, furry and human? Rabies virus causes acute encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) in mammals, including humans. The name rabies is derived from a Sanskrit word meaning “to do violence.” The outcome is almost always fatal. The first description of the disease in humans dates from 2300 B.C. The link between human disease and animals, especially dogs, was recognized early on. During the 19th century canine or street rabies was a scourge throughout Europe. Public fear was fueled by the mode of infection, being bitten by a “mad” dog, and the fact that there was no effective treatment. Many dog bite victims killed themselves or were killed by neighbors when bitten by a dog suspected of carrying rabies. Louis Pasteur gained international renown when he developed an effective post-exposure treatment in 1885. Read more …
FAVA 2008 Congress
For more information please visit the FAVA 2008 Congress website: www.fava2008.com
This resurgence of rabies has certainly caught me and many others by surprise. But the effort to combat it’s advances is strong, as proven by World Rabies Day.