VETS URGE PET OWNERS TO HAVE ANIMALS VACCIDNATED AT CLINIC

An outbreak of rabies this spring in eastern Kansas has Missouri veterinarians concerned that the deadly virus may spread to this state, causing another rabies epidemic.

At a recent meeting of the Southeast Missouri Veterinary Medical Association, Dr. F.T. Satalowich, director of the Missouri Department of Health's Bureau of Veterinary Public Health, said that as of Friday, 263 confirmed cases of rabies have been reported this year in Kansas. He said in all of 1991, only 60 cases of rabies were reported in that state.

"In a neighboring state, you worry when you see those kinds of statistics coming across your desk," said Dr. John Koch of the Cape Small Animal Clinic.

Last year, there were only 28 cases of rabies reported in Missouri. Satalowich says the low number reflects a statewide, aggressive anti-rabies program that includes rabies vaccination clinics and strong rabies control legislation in most Missouri counties.

This week, the Cape Girardeau Health Department, in cooperation with six Cape Girardeau veterinarians, will sponsor a two-day rabies vaccination clinic in Arena Park.

The clinic will take place at the Lutheran Men's Club Shelter No. 1, in front of the Arena Building, from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday and Friday. There is a $6 charge for each rabies shot, and a $1 charge for a city dog tag.

Koch and other veterinarians urge citizens to take advantage of the clinic to provide protection from rabies for their pets and themselves.

The last serious outbreak of rabies occurred in Missouri in 1989. Koch said he and other Missouri veterinarians are concerned that there may be an increase in rabies cases this year. "The outbreaks run in three- to five-year cycles, so we are overdue," said Koch. "Hopefully, it will not happen this year, but having your pets immunized now for rabies is one of the best ways to avoid an outbreak in this area."

Because of the rabies outbreak in south central and southeastern Kansas, Satalowich has alerted county health departments and veterinarians in southwest Missouri be on the lookout for any symptoms, such as normally nocturnal skunks walking around in the daylight.

He said skunks are the major carrier of rabies in the United States. "Skunks can carry the dormant rabies virus in their system for long periods of time. The virus can become active due to stress caused by the skunk's breeding period at this time of the year," Satalowich. "When that happens, any contact with the skunk by a dog or cat will pass on the virus."

Because of the rabies outbreak to the west, Satalowich said he would advise pet owners, who plan to take their pets with them on vacation in southwest Missouri or in Kansas, to have their pets vaccinated now for rabies.

Koch said rabies is not the only disease that can threaten the life or well-being of a pet. He said parvo virus and canine and feline distemper can kill both young and older pets. Because vaccinations for these viruses are not given at the rabies clinic, Koch said pet owners should contact their veterinarian to make arrangements for the shots.