Community Corner

Rabies Reported in North Monterey County

So far, no cases have been discovered in the Watsonville area.

A dog and a skunk both tested positive for rabies in North Monterey County at the end of March, according to the county health department there, but no cases of the deadly virus have been reported in Santa Cruz County, officials said Monday.

Melanie Sobel, the executive director of Santa Cruz County Animal Services said "there's been nothing" since she took charge of the agency in December 2010 but that she is concerned a dog was infected.

“It’s pretty serious," Sobel said. "Rabies kills people.”

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The dog tested positive for rabies last week; the rabid skunk was reported earlier in March, according to Monterey County health officials.

Officials were not specific about where the rabid skunk was found.

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"We’ve found positive wildlife all over North County (and the entire county for that matter) and because we want to make sure we’re protecting the confidentiality of the exposed people," Karen Smith, the public information officer for the Monterey County Health Department said in an email.

The health department conducted an investigation to ensure that all potentially exposed individuals and animals receive appropriate treatment to prevent the spread of rabies.

“The best thing is to just make sure your dog or cat is current on its rabies vaccine," Sobel said. "That’s really what’s stopped the spread of rabies.”

Ordinances in both counties require dogs and cats be vaccinated for rabies. In September,  that requires veterinarians to share rabies vaccination information with county Animal Services to create a database of vaccinated pets.

Owners of domestic livestock species such as horses, sheep, goats, pigs and cattle are encouraged to discuss rabies vaccinations with their veterinarian as these species are also susceptible to rabies infections from rabid wild animals, according to Monterey County health officials.

The rabies virus usually is transmitted to humans and animals through the bite of a rabid animal. Occasionally rabies can be transmitted if the saliva of an infected animal gets into a fresh scratch, break in the skin, or mucous membranes of the eyes, mouth or nose, according to Monterey County health officials.

People exposed to rabid animals should immediately see a doctor. Once symptoms develop, rabies is fatal.

Monterey County health officials shared the following information about rabies and disease prevention:

  • Rabies is a fatal disease in humans and domestic animals.
  • Being vaccinated prior to exposure is the only way to protect pets from infection with rabies.
  • Dogs and cats must be kept current on rabies vaccinations.
  • Humans and pets should always avoid contact with wild animals.
  • Avoid feeding and leaving pets unattended outdoors.
  • Prevent bats from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, churches, schools, and other similar areas where they might contact people and pets.
  • See your veterinarian if your animal is injured by a wild animal or other domestic animal.
  • Avoid separating animals that are fighting.

Get more information, including how to find low-cost vaccinations for your pets, at on Airport Bouelvard.


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