Rabies is an acute viral encephalomyelitis that principally affects carnivores and bats. It can also be found in any mammal. It is invariably fatal once clinical signs appear. Rabies is found throughout the world, and there are recent cases found in New Mexico.

The Rabies strain identified in a fox recently has never been identified before. The rabid fox has a new strain that is related to other rabies strains found in bats. Lincoln County is collecting all dead foxes and bats found and testing them for Rabies.

The following pets should be vaccinated for rabies: dogs, cats, horses and other livestock animals. Also it is very important that you understand that by vaccinating your pets, you are not only protecting your pets but also your children, family and community. Un-vaccinated pets can be exposed to a rabid animal and put your family members at unnecessary risk and exposure to a very dangerous fatal disease. Rabid animals may show no fear of people and may even seem friendly or become aggressive.

Some following guidelines that can help protect your family from rabies are:

• Stay away from wild animals. Also do not try to touch, feed, or approach wild animals.
• If you see a sick or dead wild animal, or wild animal acting abnormally, report it to our local animal control.
• Keep your pets on leashes at all times when out. Also make sure your pet is up to date on rabies vaccinations and is wearing current license tags on their collar at all times.
• If your pet gets bit or scratched by a wild animal, call local animal control department to report the incident and provide the department with an accurate description of the animal.

For up to date information on New Mexico’s Rabies cases, please visit the Department of Health’s website at http://nmhealth.org/about/erd/ideb/zdp/rab/.

Please call our office and schedule an appointment to have your pets vaccinated. If you are a current client with Village Vet and you are uncertain if your pets are current on their rabies vaccine, call us and we will check for you. If you have any other questions, our staff will be glad to take a minute and answer your questions. 505-869-2627