Deschutes County Issues Rabies Alert After 1 Dog Contacts Infected Bat in Sisters
Updated
Updated · KTVZ · May 21
Deschutes County Issues Rabies Alert After 1 Dog Contacts Infected Bat in Sisters
3 articles · Updated · KTVZ · May 21
Deschutes County Public Health warned Sisters-area residents after a dog came into contact with a bat that later tested positive for rabies.
Rabies can spread to people and pets through bites or scratches, and officials said prevention is critical even though post-exposure vaccination can work.
Oregon law requires rabies shots for dogs and cats, with the first dose due at 3 to 6 months, a booster after 1 year, and additional boosters every 3 years.
Unvaccinated pets exposed to rabies must be euthanized or placed in strict quarantine for 4 months, underscoring the cost of missed vaccinations.
Health officials urged residents to avoid all bat contact, keep children and pets away from grounded or daytime-active bats, and report any exposure immediately.
A major rabies vaccine was just recalled. How can Oregon pet owners verify their pets are actually safe from the recent outbreak?
With four rabid bat cases in Oregon this year, are we witnessing a random spike or the start of a larger public health crisis?