Is your dog current on their Rabies and Canine Distemper vaccination? Have you vaccinated your cat against Rabies? With the recent incident of Rabies and Canine Distemper in Baker County, Animal Health Center would like to remind you of the importance of keeping your pets current on their vaccinations.

An article in the Baker City Herald printed September 20, 2013, announced that a coyote killed in Baker City, Oregon was found to be positive for Rabies and Canine Distemper. The remains of the coyote were submitted to Oregon State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in Corvallis where the necropsy revealed the samples to be positive for both viruses.

Rabies is a viral disease that can affect a wide variety of mammals, including dogs, cats, ferrets, wildlife and humans. Rabies is usually transmitted by bite wounds, often from infected wildlife. Rabies vaccination is the most effective method of prevention. The initial vaccination can be given as early as 3 months of age with the booster given every 12 – 36 months thereafter depending your pets lifestyle and potential for exposure. In addition to aiding in prevention, Oregon law requires that all dogs to be vaccinated against rabies. Dogs without a current Rabies vaccination that bite a human can be quarantined for a minimum of 10 days at the owner’s expense.

Canine Distemper is a common virus that causes diarrhea, fever, nasal and ocular discharge, respiratory disease, appetite loss and neurologic sign such as muscular spasms and paralysis. Dogs should be vaccinated against Canine Distemper as part of the initial puppy vaccination series and then annually for optimal protection.

Please contact our office for more information or to verify your pet’s vaccinations are current.