Animal Shelter Statistics - 05-2008

Browse Search

Animal Services Monthly Report May, 2008 7 As can also be seen from the table on rabies exposures, Animal Control Officers investigated twenty-nine (29) cases in which there were possible rabies exposures. Usually, these are cases involving known or suspected contact between a domestic small animal such as a dog or a cat and a wild animal such as a raccoon, as well as whether there is indirect contact between a human and pet member of a household in these situations. But our Animal Control Officers are also responsible for bite reports involving dogs and cats (as well as other animals) and a human victim. In these cases, it is a legal requirement and public health precaution that a dog or cat biting a human being be contained and observed for a period of ten (10) days—thereby ensuring that the bite victim was not exposed to the rabies virus. Efforts to ensure current vaccination, for the welfare of pets and the people with whom they come into contact, are ongoing and activities in this area are captured by vaccination statistics compiled by our Animal Control Division. As is ordinarily the case, the majority of these vaccinations—1073 out of a total of 1110 vaccinations—continue to be performed at veterinary establishments. In addition, another thirty-seven (37) animals were vaccinated at our Animal Shelter prior to their adoption or recovery. No low-cost rabies vaccination clinics were held in May, but four are scheduled for June. Seventeen total clinics were held during 2007—and 1157 dogs and cats were vaccinated as a result. Details and further information on low-cost rabies vaccination clinics can be found at http://www.co.orange.nc.us/animalservices.rabies.asp. All of these activities—public education and outreach, investigations and enforcement, and providing low-cost vaccination clinics—are critical given that Orange County continues to be affected by the epidemic of “eastern raccoon rabies” that began in the latter half of the 1990s. Their essential nature is further underscored by the current view that we are on the upside of a raccoon rabies cycle that may bring even higher numbers of confirmed rabies cases than we have seen in recent years. Special Monthly Notes There have been several events and challenges that have affected animal disposition numbers this month, the most notable of which was the first annual Spring Cookout, held at the Shelter location. The cookout, held May 31st from 12-4, featured free food, adoptable pets and live music from two different bands! It was well received and a great success. Also notable for the month of May is the fact that six positive rabies tests were confirmed. It is extremely rare to have so many positive results in such a short time frame and underscores the importance of the education that the department takes so seriously in regard to rabies awareness and prevention.