Reno County Health Department Officials have received four reports of positive rabies in animals in 2012 and now two cases in 2013. Most of the reports have been in skunks.

The risk of exposure to rabies is real according to health officials, but the disease is preventable in both humans and animals. In the mid-west, skunks and bats are the common animal species that test positive for rabies. Domestic pets, and livestock can be infected from exposure to animals, education of humans to avoid exposures, and providing exposed persons with prompt post-exposure rabies prophylaxis. The World Health Organization reports that 55-thousand people die of rabies infection world-wide every year.

The Reno County Health Department suggest that you have all your animals vaccinated. If bitten by an animal, seek medical attention and report the bite to your local public health department or animal control immediately. If your animal is bitten, contact a Veterinarian for advice.

Do not handle or feed wild animals, now should you adopt such animals or bring them into your home.

If wild animals appear sick or injured, call animal control or an animal rescue agency for assistance.

Also, teach your children to never handle unfamiliar, wild or domestic animals, even if they appear friendly.

Health officials also want to remind those of you who live in the county, that Reno County has a requirement that all domestic animals, dogs, cats and ferrets are to have current rabies vaccination provided by a licensed veterinarian.

If you have any questions, contact your vet, the Reno County Health Department or your local animal control.