Islip, NY - September 18, 2014 - Rabies is a viral disease that can be transmitted from infected mammals to humans or pets. If untreated, rabies invariably leads to death. People and pets can get rabies if they are exposed to the saliva or nervous tissue of a rabid animal through a bite. It is also possible, although rare, that people can get rabies if infectious material, such as saliva, from a rabid animal gets directly into their eyes, nose, mouth or a wound.
New York State and Suffolk County law requires that all dogs, cats and ferrets be vaccinated against rabies. Vaccinating your pet not only provides protection for the animal, but vaccinated pets act as a barrier to keep the rabies virus from spreading between wild animals and people. It is very important to make sure that these animals, as well as livestock and horses have current rabies vaccinations.
Remember that Friday, September 28th is World Rabies Day. Rabies is preventable!
The Suffolk County SPCA is the local, independent not-for-profit organization serving the humane needs of animals in Suffolk County and enforcement of anti-cruelty laws for 30 years.
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