World Rabies Day: Understanding and Preventing This Deadly Disease

Posted on September 28, 2023 by Budgetanimal

September 28th, marked as World Rabies Day, serves as a global reminder of the efforts taken to eradicate this deadly disease. Despite being 100% preventable, rabies continues to claim numerous lives each year.

This blog aims to raise awareness about the disease’s symptoms, the importance of the rabies vaccine, and the prevention measures everyone should be aware of. By understanding the threat and taking appropriate steps, we can contribute to the worldwide goal of Rabies: Zero by 2030.

Indianapolis Critter Control Near Me — World Rabies Day – September 28th

Let’s Celebrate World Rabies Day By Spreading Knowledge

What is Rabies?

Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system and can be transmitted from animals to humans. It is mostly caused by bites or scratches from infected animals, such as dogs, bats, raccoons, foxes, skunks, and coyotes. Once the virus enters the body, it travels through the nerves towards the brain and spinal cord, leading to inflammation and eventually causing death.

Symptoms of Rabies

The initial symptoms of rabies can be vague, making it challenging to diagnose in the early stages. However, as the disease progresses, symptoms become more severe and can include fever, headache, weakness, fatigue, anxiety, confusion, hallucinations, hydrophobia (fear of water), excessive salivation, and paralysis. It is crucial to seek immediate medical attention if you have been bitten or scratched by an animal or experience any of these symptoms.

Rabies Treatment Options

Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal. That is why prevention is the best form of protection against this deadly disease. However, if you have been bitten or scratched by an animal, immediate medical attention is necessary. The doctor will thoroughly clean and disinfect the wound and administer a series of vaccines to prevent the virus from causing infection.

Importance of the Rabies Vaccine

The most effective way to prevent rabies is through vaccination. The rabies vaccine can protect individuals from contracting the virus and developing the disease, even after exposure. The World Health Organization recommends that all dogs, cats, and ferrets be vaccinated against rabies annually. Additionally, individuals who are at a higher risk of exposure to the virus, such as veterinarians and animal handlers, should also receive the vaccination.

Prevention Measures

Apart from getting vaccinated, there are other measures we can take to prevent rabies. Avoiding contact with wild or stray animals and teaching children to do the same is essential. If you come into contact with an animal, especially if it appears sick or acts strangely, seek medical attention immediately. Additionally, it is crucial to keep your pets up to date on their rabies vaccinations and not allow them to roam freely.

The Importance of Safe and Humane Wildlife Removal and Control Services

Wildlife is an essential part of our ecosystem and plays a crucial role in maintaining balance in the natural world. However, when wildlife starts encroaching on human habitats, it can become a nuisance and even pose safety risks. In such situations, it is important to understand the importance of safe and humane wildlife removal and control services.

As human populations continue to expand, there is less space available for wildlife to thrive in their natural habitats. This leads to increased interactions between humans and wildlife, resulting in conflicts. Wildlife may damage property, spread diseases, or even attack humans or pets when they feel threatened. Removing nuisance animals from these situations can help prevent further damage and ensure the safety of both humans and animals. However, it is important to handle these situations carefully and humanely.

Join the Fight Against Rabies

As we observe World Rab i es Day, let us remember that this disease is preventable, and we all have a part to play in eradicating it. By being aware of the symptoms and taking necessary precautions, we can protect ourselves and our loved ones from this deadly disease. Let us join hands and strive towards Rabies: Zero by 2030. Together, we can make a difference!

Would you like to learn more about protecting your premises against wild animal intrusions and threats? Contact Budget Animal Removal at 317-875-3099 for DNR licensed and insured wildlife removal and control services in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties. Request a free estimate or advice, today!

Learn More About Rabies Awareness to Honor World Rabies Day

Posted on September 28, 2022 by Budgetanimal

Today, September 28^th, is World Rabies Day! This day is brought to us by the Global Alliance for Rabies Control, which is an esteemed not-for-profit organization founded with the collective goal of bringing more Rabies awareness around the globe with the hopes of reducing canine fatalities caused by the virus.

To honor World Rabies Day, continue below to review some frequently asked questions about the Rabies virus, namely its link to wildlife management and control.

Wildlife Removal Indianapolis 317-875-3099 — World Rabies Day – September 28th

World Rabies Day

September 28^th

World Rabies Day is a worldwide awareness campaign aimed to spread knowledge and conscientiousness about Rabies protection and abatement. This is backed by various global human and veterinary health organizations, including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), and World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). It is even a United Nations Observance.

The first effective Rabies vaccine was invented by Louis Pasteur and his colleagues. All cases of Rabies Lyssavirus in humans were fatal until the vaccine was invented in the early 1900’s. Now, if a person is ever infected with Rabies, they can go to the emergency room and receive effective treatment to stop the virus from multiplying.

September 28^th is reserved as World Rabies Day because it is the anniversary of Louis Pasteur’s death. This day honors his contribution to Rabies protection and abatement, plus works to bring more awareness, education, and advocacy surrounding the significant impact the Rabies virus has on both people and animals. Remember, Rabies is 99% fatal but 100% preventable. Do your part and get yourself, your loved ones, and your pets vaccinated!

FAQS About Rabies

Is Rabies Fatal?

Rabies Lyssavirus (RABV) is one of the deadliest infectious diseases in the world. Once signs and symptoms appear, 99% of the time it is fatal. According to Rabiesalliance.org, “More than 59,000 people die from rabies every year, 99% of which are a result of exposure to an infected domestic dog. This means that a person dies every 9 minutes from rabies.” According to the CDC, “about 60,000 Americans get Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) each year to prevent rabies infection after being bitten or scratched by an infected or suspected infected animal.”

Which Animal Spreads Rabies the Most?

Raccoons, sku n ks, bats, and foxes are most known for carrying the Rabies virus. But, according to the field coordinator for the National Rabies Management Program, Jordona Kirby, “Annual statistics indicate that raccoons are one of the number one species in which we see rabies cases every year.” Since a widely accepted public and animal health initiative in the 70’s, the U.S. government has been dispersing oral rabies vaccines through the National Rabies Management Program. In fact, this program has made history because it is the biggest organized effort to abate a zoonotic disease in wildlife ever in the United States.

Do I Have to Vaccinate My Pets Against the Rabies Virus?

The Indiana Administrative Code statute states that all dogs, cats, and ferrets must be vaccinated at 4 months of age, and then re-vaccinated annually, and then re-vaccinated according to manufacturer’s instructions. Pet vaccinations must be administered by a licensed and accredited veterinarian. According to the CDC, “Most pets get rabies from having contact with wildlife.” So, get your dogs and cats vaccinated annually and contact a local Indianapolis critter control company to protect your property from nuisance wildlife intrusions.

Are animals becoming a nuisance around your residential or commercial property in Indiana? Contact Budget Animal Removal at 317-875-3099 for DNR licensed and insured critter removal and control in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties. Request a free estimate or advice, today!

2 Zoonotic Bat Diseases That Can Be Spread to Humans and Pets

Posted on October 13, 2020 by Budgetanimal

When it comes to bats around the house or in the attic, you do not want to waste any time getting rid of them. Bats are known carriers of several infectious zoonotic diseases, two of which are very serious, and unfortunately, very common as well. And as known carriers, they are also capable of transmitting these diseases to both people and pets, such as cats and dogs. This is just one reason why pet vaccinations are so vital to the overall health and protection of your animals and your loved ones.

These two zoonotic diseases described above are Rabies and Histoplasmosis. Continue reading to learn more about each illness, and what you can do to get rid of nuisance bats in your Tennessee home or property.

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Most Common Transmissible Bat Diseases:

☣► Histoplasmosis

Histoplasmosis is an infection of the lungs and respiratory system. It is caused by the development of Histoplasma capsulatum fungus on bat droppings, also known as guano. It can also grow on bird droppings. The fungus produces mold spores that become airborne, either from wind, construction, or a property’s interior air duct system. Upon inhalation, the spores can enter a person’s respiratory system and cause flu-like symptoms. And if not treated properly, a person can become very ill. When a person is mildly affected by Histoplasmosis spores, it is possible for them to never experience any symptoms.

However, in cases of long-term or close-up exposure, symptoms can develop within 3 to 17 days, depending on the severity of exposure. Serious cases of Histoplasmosis can be life-threatening to those with weakened or suppressed immune systems, as well as the elderly and young children. Common symptoms of Histoplasmosis infection are similar to the flu, while severe cases are more similar to tuberculosis. Typical symptoms for mild cases may include all or a combination of fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, dry cough, chest discomfort, lethargy, joint pain, rash, and general malaise.

☣► Rabies

Rabies is a well-known and dangerous virus that is carried and transmitted via saliva and blood among several species of wildlife in Tennessee. Fox, coyotes, raccoons, bats, squirrels, and more are common carriers of the Rabies virus; but just because they are carriers does not mean they are infected. Unfortunately, the Rabies virus cannot be diagnosed until the symptoms are noticeable. But at this point, it is too late for the victim.

This viral disease is usually fatal in animals since it causes swelling and inflammation of the brain. This condition can cause infected animals to behave strangely and unpredictably, exhibiting violent movements, uncontrolled excitement, fear of water, an inability to move parts of the body, confusion, and loss of consciousness. Annual pet vaccinations can protect curious dogs and cats from encountering a fatal rabies attack from an infected animal.

What You Need to Know About Rabies in Humans

As for humans, Rabies can be fatal unless treatment can be received before symptoms begin to appear, which usually takes 1 to 3 months. Only 6 people have survived a rabies infection after showing symptoms. For this reason, it is important to seek immediate treatment if you suspect that you had contact with an infected animal. Common signs and symptoms can include slight or partial paralysis, anxiety, insomnia, confusion, agitation, abnormal behavior, paranoia, terror, and hallucinations, progressing to delirium, and coma.

Nashville Tennessee Bat Removal and Control at Your Service

Call Budget Animal Removal at 615-337-9165 to get help with your bat removal and control needs in Nashville, Tennessee. Our TWRA licensed and insured wildlife control specialists that can deliver safe and long-lasting results at the most economical rates in town. Our teams serve both residential and commercial clients, and also offer several complimentary amenities, including free phone quotes, estimates, advice, and referrals.