Agenda - 09-20-1995 - IX-A - Laserfiche WebLink

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2 2 The rabies virus is usually transmitted by the bite of a rabid animal. The virus may also be transmitted through existing breaks in the skin or through the mucous membrane. Exposure does not necessarily mean disease. The percentage chance of exposure leading to disease ranges from 20% in humans to 100% in the gray fox. Incubation periods in both animals and humans are prolonged and variable ranging from 3 weeks to as long as one year, but generally are within 8 weeks. During this time the virus travels from the site of the exposure to the brain via peripheral nerves and the spinal cord. When it reaches the brain it further reproduces then usually travels from the central nervous system to the salivary gland via the nerve supply. Death follows in a few days. In any animal the first sign of disease is a change in behavior. Animals usually stop eating and drinking and may seek solitude. After 1-3 days rabid animals either show signs of paralysis or they become vicious. Raccoons become unafraid of man, are frequently aggressive and uncoordinated and are active during the day. Foxes frequently invade yards or even houses attacking dogs and people. Symptoms in bats include flying in the daytime, resting on the ground, attacking people and animals, or fighting. However, in the early stage of the disease, rabies symptoms can easily be confused with those of other diseases. For humans, the prolonged incubation period between exposure and disease provides the opportunity for post-exposure treatment against rabies. Today this involves five rabies vaccinations in the arm over a 28 day period plus one injected dose of Rabies Immune globulin. The Rabies Prevention Program is outlined in attachment#1. The first objective is to inform the people of Orange County how to avoid exposure to rabies and what to do if exposed. We plan to accomplish this by way of a two part education program. The first part is to take place in elementary and secondary schools using attachments 2 and 3. We have met with the assistant superintendents of both school systems and they are interested in our program. Part two is aimed at informing the public. Media coverage, literature distribution, bumper stickers and signs on animal control vehicles will be used. The second objective is to increase the number and percentage of vaccinated pets. The Animal Protection Society(APS) is holding rabies vaccination clinics on the last Saturday of each month at the Animal Shelter, starting in July. Animal Control is sponsoring clinics in Hillsborough and the Northern Recreation Center on the second weekend of each month starting September 8th. Vaccination compliance enforcement will be greatly enhanced if the board approves the schedule of civil penalties and redemption fee increases including the $100.00 fine for failure to vaccinate against rabies. Computer generated delinquent notices mailed to pet owners who have failed to license can be accompanied by a civil penalty if the board approves. The Animal Control staff is increasing its production of notices to vaccinate and license by setting goals and canvassing non-complaint areas. Animal Control has and will continue to increase the use of small claims court and criminal court for failure to vaccinate and license. A third objective is to improve assessment and reporting of rabies vaccination compliance.