Pennsylvania law requires that all dogs and household cats ages 3 months and older must be vaccinated. Failure to do so can result in a fine of up to $300 for each unvaccinated animal.
Rabies is a viral disease that causes acute encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) in mammals. In nonvaccinated humans, rabies is almost invariably fatal after neurological symptoms have developed, but prompt post-exposure vaccination may prevent the virus from progressing. There are only six known cases of a person surviving rabies without vaccination.
In 2006, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture reported 58 domestic cats, four dogs, six cattle, a horse, a goat, a llama and a ferret that tested positive for rabies statewide.
In 2006, Pennsylvania wildlife that tested positive were 283 raccoons, 62 skunks, 41 bats, 32 foxes, six groundhogs, four whitetail deer, two coyotes, a bobcat and a fisher. This year, a bat in Franklin Township tested positive for the disease.
Those bringing animals to the clinic should have their dogs on collars and leashes and, if possible, their cats in carriers. In addition to rabies shots, other yearly vaccines for dogs and cats will be available, as well as worming. For further information, call the Humane Society at 724-627-9998.