Animal Shelter Statistics - 05-2006

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Orange County Animal Services – May 2006 Monthly Report – Page 6 human-animal bond. Thus our staff will necessarily continue to provide public education on responsible pet ownership and health and safety; perform spay/neuter outreach; and offer low-cost rabies vaccination clinics. Animal Intake Data Total Percent Animal Control From Public Incoming of Total Strays (1) Surrender Strays Surrender Chapel Hill 13 1 38 30 82 21.52% Carrboro 8 3 5 6 22 5.77% Hillsborough 18 8 1 3 30 7.87% Orange County 119 40 4 5 168 44.09% Night Deposit 0 0 38 15 53 13.91% Other County 0 0 9 17 26 6.82% Total 158 52 95 76 381 100.00% Strays253 66.40% Animal Control210 55.12% Surrenders128 33.60% Public171 44.88% (1) “Strays” under Animal Intake Data also includes impounded animals not surrendered to Animal Services With respect to rabies control—historically a core function of animal control—we have continued to see positive rabies tests based upon public reporting and our surveillance of possible exposures of people and/or their pets. In May, there were three positive rabies tests—two (2) for a raccoon and one (1) for a bat--bringing the total for 2006 to eleven (11). Bats as a rabies vector became as subject of concern because of positive tests in our own and Durham County during the month. In addition to a News and Observer feature article on the positive test in Orange County, a North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services media advisory—“Rabies: Public Health officials urge caution around bats, other wildlife”—prompted much media coverage of bats as a risk to the health of the public. Besides raccoons, bats are one host species of rabies in our own and other regions of the United States. Of the few cases of rabies in humans in our country in recent years, most have been traced to bats. A prime reason is that it can be difficult to detect bat bites, and thereby initiate the post-exposure prophylaxis necessary to protect an individual exposed to rabies. Our own public education activities thus stressed immediate reporting of any possible contact to animal control and/or public health authorities to ensure the health of all members of a household—human and pet alike. Similarly, staff continue to remind pet owners not only that their pets must be vaccinated and licensed but that a dog or cat with a current rabies vaccination must receive a booster shot within seventy-two (72) hours of any exposure to rabies. Unless an exposed pet with a current vaccination receives a booster shot within that time frame, the requirements of state law are the same as for an unvaccinated animal— namely, euthanasia or a six (6) month quarantine. Ensuring that this requirement is always met requires awareness and immediate action. In the event that their pet has possible contact with a raccoon or other wildlife animal, an owner should be sure to contact their Animal Control program right away. Also, if a possible exposure occurs outside regular hours of service, an Animal Control Officer should be reached right away through Orange County’s Emergency Communications (911).