MOUNT VERNON — Keeping up with the health and safety of one’s
pets is a top priority for many. Diligence is key for many pet
owners in keeping their companions safe from sickness and
disease. One disease that can be a threat at any given time is
rabies.Rabies is a viral disease which is spread through the
saliva of an infected animal, usually bats, raccoons, skunks,
fox and coyotes. Animals contract the rabies virus by exposure
with another infected animal through blood or saliva. Incubation
periods can vary, and it usually takes from 10 to 14 days for
symptoms to appear. It is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be
transmitted from an animal to a human. Although it has been more
than 30 years since a domestic animal has tested positive for
rabies in Knox County, the threat remains real without proper
vaccination. Bats were the only animal to test positive for
rabies during this period, according to the Ohio Department of
Health. Incidences of rabies in Ohio have occurred in dogs and
horses. Dr. Jessica Kruege