The Importance of Rabies Vaccinations For Pets

Posted on November 2, 2022 by virginia

As a pet owner, it’s important to do everything you can to keep your furry friend healthy and safe. That’s why vaccinating against the Rabies Virus is so important. Continue below to learn more about the Rabies virus, plus how to keep your pet vaccinated against this deadly threat.

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Scary Facts About the Rabies Virus

Rabies is a deadly virus that affects the nervous system of mammals. It is most often transmitted through the bite of an infected animal and can be fatal if left untreated. Dogs are the most common source of rabies transmission to humans, and though vaccinations have made the disease much less common in developed countries, it is still a serious public health concern in many parts of the world.

There are two forms of rabies: Furious rabies is characterized by aggression and lack of fear, while Paralytic rabies progresses to paralysis and death. The incubation period for rabies is typically two to 12 weeks but can be as long as several months. Early symptoms may include fever, headache, and general malaise, followed by more specific symptoms such as seizures, hallucinations, and paralysis. Sadly, there is no cure.

Rabies Vaccines for Dogs and Cats

If you suspect that your dog has been exposed to rabies, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately. There is no cure for rabies, but prompt treatment can be effective in preventing the disease from taking hold. Vaccination is the best defense against rabies, and all dogs should be up to date on their shots. If you live in an area where rabies is common, talk to your veterinarian about whether your dog should also receive a booster vaccine.

Rabies vaccines are available for both dogs and cats. By being aware of the risks and taking steps to protect your pets, you can help keep both your furry friend and your family safe from this deadly virus. The vaccine is typically given as a series of shots, starting at around four months of age. In most cases, vaccinating your pet is the best way to keep them safe from this deadly disease.

The Link Between Bats and Rabies

There is a strong link between bats and rabies. Bats are the main host of the rabies virus, and many people who are bitten by bats contract rabies. However, there are also many myths about bats and rabies. Bats are the main host of the rabies virus. In the United States, most rabies cases in animals are in bats. However, only a small percentage of bats carry the virus. Most bats that carry rabies do not show any signs of the disease.

There are many myths about bats and rabies. One myth is that all bats have rabies. This is not true. Only a small percentage of bats carry the virus. Another myth is that you can get rabies from just being near a bat. This is also not true. You can only get rabies if you are bitten or scratched by a bat that has the virus. If you are bitten or scratched by a bat, wash the wound with soap and water and see a doctor immediately.

Consider Localized Bat Control

The best way to protect yourself and your pets from rabies is to avoid contact with bats. If your property is near a local bat population, it is recommended to implement an effective bat abatement plan. Contact a licensed and insured Richmond VA bat removal and control company for assistance you can trust.

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Why This is the Time of Year to Get a Rabies Vaccine

Posted on May 13, 2021 by virginia

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It is rabies season, so now is the right time to get your rabies shots. Be sure your loved ones are vaccinated, including your pets!

Wildlife is most active when weather is warm and mild. This means it is Rabies season. Animals like raccoons, squirrels, chipmunks, opossum, fox, and bats are all common carriers of the Rabies virus. And although there are very few reported cases of human exposure every year (1 to 3 cases reported annually, according to the CDC), it is still important to take as much precaution as possible to ensure you and your loved ones are not affected. Keep in mind that curious outdoor pets like cats and dogs are also common targets for Rabies infection, so you’ll need to consider their safety as well.

Don’t Take the Risk – Get Vaccinated for Rabies

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

“The rabies virus is transmitted through saliva or brain/nervous system tissue. You can only get rabies by coming in contact with these specific bodily excretions and tissues.”

It is also 100% treatable so long as medical attention is sought immediately after exposure. Without treatment, rabies is 100% fatal since it causes an acute viral encephalitis. Once symptoms start to become evident, there is no recourse or cure.

Rabies Shots

For humans, the Rabies virus is 100% preventable with the right vaccinations. Because adults in good health are rarely exposed, shots are not necessary unless someone is bitten or exposed. The best course of action adults can take is to adhere to adequate animal vaccination and control standards. Furthermore, children are at a higher risk of contracting Rabies, so be sure they are protected with the proper vaccines if they are ever exposed or likely to be exposed.

If exposed, a victim would have to start a treatment schedule consisting of one dose of immune globulin and four doses of rabies vaccine, all given over a 14-day period. This regime is known as post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).

The Rabies vaccine consists of 3 types of cells:

► Human Cells
► Chick Embryo Cells
► Fetal Rhesus Lung Cells

A vaccination program is recommended for those who are at a higher risk of exposure, like veterinarians, animal handlers, laboratory workers, cave spelunkers, and explorers traveling to areas of the world where rabies exposure is likely. These individuals would get a 3-part dose of Rabies immune globulin, starting with an initial vaccine beforehand, a second dose 7 days later, and a final dose 21 to 28 days after the first dose.

Where to Get a Rabies Vaccine

Contact your Primary Care Physician’s (PCP) office for more information on vaccines.

Are you dealing with a population of nuisance bats around your house, which are common carriers of the Rabies virus? Contact Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 for affordable and prompt bat removal services in Virginia, including Richmond, Williamsburg, Hampton, and all surrounding areas. We serve residential and commercial clients.

You Should Also Read:

Top 3 Signs That Suggest You Have Bats in Your House
Can Bat Poop Make Me Sick?
Top 3 Most Common Bat Diseases in Virginia

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What You Want to Know About Bats and Rabies

Posted on January 21, 2020 by virginia

If your home or commercial building is located near woods, forests, or a large body of water, such as a pond, river, or lake, you can safely bet that there are local bat populations surrounding the property. For this reason, bat infestations are quite common among properties located in such areas. As a result of a bat infestation, properties usually experience extensive structural damages. However, bats also pose several health and safety risks. One of the most common is the Rabies Virus.

If you are unsure about the facts you know regarding bats and rabies, continue reading to clear up the confusion and learn exactly what you want to know.

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Facts About the Rabies Virus

The fact is, only a small percentage of bats catch rabies. Researchers at Indiana State University conducted a nearly 40 year-long study, testing more than 5,500 big brown bats in the mid-west. Of those numbers, only 3.1% tested positive for rabies. From this study, researchers also concluded that October seems to be the time of year when rabies rates peak.

When contracted, the rabies virus is virtually 100% fatal. That is why rabies vaccines for pets are so vital, especially if they are outdoor pets. When a bat is sick with the rabies virus, they will often segregate themselves from their colonies, which is why so many are found on the ground. If you find a bat on the ground, please beware that it could be infected of rabies or other types of transmissible disease. See our blog, “What To Do if You Find a Bat” to learn some safety tips for managing such a situation.

How Rabies is Contracted

Rabies is contracted when the virus enters the bloodstream through bodily fluids, such as blood, saliva, or mucous membranes in the eyes, nose, and throat. Although the virus enters the bloodstream, it actually travels through the host’s central nervous system, which means it reaches the brain at incredible rates, usually within weeks. The most common way those become infected is being bitten or scratched by an infected animal. You cannot get rabies by simply petting a rabid animal, nor touching their blood or droppings. Contracting the rabies virus any other way is very uncommon. Inhaling airborne rabies virus is a possibility, but typically only laboratory workers are at risk of this types of non-bite exposure.

As soon you believe a person or pet has been exposed to the virus, it is important to seek medical treatment immediately to prevent death. If you awaken in your bedroom and find a bat on the wall, you must still get medical care instantly because you may not know if you’ve been exposed. It is important to stay away from wild animals, and simply admired them from afar, to prevent being exposed to deadly or transmissible diseases such as Rabies. If you are concerned about bats around your house, contact a local Virginia bat removal and control company for inspections and bat-proofing services.

Virginia Bat Removal and Control Services

Call Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 for safe and humane bat removal and control assistance in Old Dominion. We serve all of Virginia, including Richmond, Petersburg, Short Pump, Lynchburg, Charlottesville, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Newport News, Virginia Beach, and all of their surrounding areas, with 24 hour bat removal, as well as, numerous residential and commercial bat exclusion services, such as bat cleanup and restorations for bat damages. We even provide insurance work! Contact us at 804-729-9097 to request a free estimate, anytime.

3 Transmissible Bat Diseases That Can Affect People and Pets

Posted on March 9, 2018 by virginia

Although the actual risk of infection is low, bats, like most mammals, have the ability to carry and transmit several types of bacteria and viruses that can be harmful to both humans and pets. The most common bat diseases include Histoplasmosis, Rabies, and parasitic infestations like mites and lice.

Continue reading to learn some facts about each, and what you can do to protect your home from nuisance bat problems.

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❶ Histoplasmosis

Histoplasmosis is a serious lung infection that causes upper respiratory complications. Histoplasmosis is caused by Histoplasma capsulatum fungal spores that grow on animal droppings. The fungal spores become airborne, causing people and pets to contract the illness through inhalation. In mild cases, people infected with Histoplasmosis show no signs or symptoms, while others may show signs of a mild lung infection after 1 or 2 weeks.
Some people may experience more severe complications if it spreads to other parts of the body, known as Disseminated Histoplasmosis. Histoplasmosis is especially dangerous, and potentially fatal, for elderly citizens and those with suppressed immune systems. Most people do not require treatment for Histoplasmosis, however, the young, sick, and elderly will need treatment.

❷ Rabies

Bats are a common rabies vector in North America. But just because they are potential carriers does not mean they are infected. It is important to note that it is very rare for a bat to be rabid, and even rarer for a person to contract Rabies from a bat. However, pets are a higher risk of contracting rabies since they may stumble upon a rabid lone bat in the yard. If a person or animal does contract the Rabies virus, there is no treatment. Unfortunately, it attacks the nervous system, making it fatal in most cases. It is vital to have your pets vaccinated annually for Rabies and more.

❸ Bat Mites/Lice

Although parasitic outbreaks are not fatal, they are extremely aggravating and difficult to eliminate. Common infestations are bat mites, lice, and fleas. Not only are these highly contagious and transferrable, they can be spread by both humans and pets. Virtually all bat infestations will come with some sort of parasitic infestation, primarily bat mites. Parasites like these are very common, and they grow at incredibly fast rates. If such outbreaks are not managed efficiently, it can take a lot of time, money, and construction to resolve.

How to Get Rid of Bats in Virginia

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Call Virginia Bat Pros at 804-729-9097 when you need prompt and professional Virginia bat removal and control you can afford. We use safe and humane methods to deliver effective 24 hour bat control for residential and commercial properties throughout Virginia. Aside from extensive experience and expert knowledge of the bat removal and control industry, we set ourselves apart from our competitors by offering superior client support and maintaining economy-based prices. Request a free estimate or advice, today.