Message Number: YG9406 | New FHL Archives Search
From: Steve Austin
Date: 2001-12-15 01:58:00 UTC
Subject: Bites, rabies, and ER docs..... my 2 cents for what its
worth!

That is true, in NJ there was a rabies case a couple years ago
in a man. The first in like 40 years, anyway it was from a
bat. So, the most likely cause here is bats, then other
wild animals before dogs and cats, but the statistics
show that there are cases of rabies in dogs and cats each year,
so if the animal is a stray and can't be watched best to
start the rabies protocal, now for someone like you, maybe
consider getting vaccinated?

Also, I would say that not everyone,even in the medical field
would be up on this stuff, and many many people think rabies
when they are bit, even if a bacterial infection is much more
likely, or they worry about tetanus. Go to an ER and say you
were bit by a ferret, I bet many would not have a clue-
happened where I work, everyone panicked ,made a big stink,
took several phone calls, and still wanted the person started
on rabies shots, even when they knew the ferret was at a pet
store and could be watched, I came in the next day to find
out and was a bit upset, couldn't believe it, but they really had
no clue,and many didn't even know what a ferret was.

The person that was bit may insist the ferret be tested, and
if there is no protective law where they live, the ferret may
be put to death to be tested- it could happen depending on
the rules and reglations where you live.

Patty
:
> Hi there,
>
> The chance of developing rabies from the bite of an
> animal is so minimal that most docs, at least in
> Minnesota, do not consider this as a worry. The worry
> instead is the danger of pastuerella infection. This
> is true with all carnivores, but particularily cats...
>
> Just wanted to give ya my 2 cents!!!!!!
>
> Carolyn
>
>
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