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Vaccinations Key to Controlling Rabies Exposure Animal control and vaccination programs have cut the number of reported human rabies to as few as five a year in the United States, according to a recent report in Veterinary Practice News. But despite the control of the virus in humans and domestic animals, authorities continue to battle the virus in wild populations, the News reports. And the virus can still have devastating effects in rural areas were vaccinations aren’t routine. Last spring, 32 dogs, at least one cat and a number of livestock were euthanized near Carlsbad after they were exposed to rabies. Dr. Paul Ettestad, the New Mexico Department of Health’s public health veterinarian called it one of the most concentrated outbreaks of rabies that has been seen in New Mexico in decades. The deaths could have been prevented through proper vaccination, he noted, which is already required by state law. Human deaths from rabies in the past century in the U.S. have declined from 100 or more each year to an average of two or three, according to federal statistics. But the virus continues to plague some parts of the world, with 30,000- 50,000 people dying from the infection each year. A Shot in the Right Spot New Mexico public officials, veterinarians mark World Rabies Day with free vaccinations at Santa Fe Animal Shelter State health officials and prominent veterinarians took part in a free rabies vaccination clinic in September at the Santa Fe Animal Shelter in recognition of World Rabies Day. Dr. Ray Powell, state Land Commissioner, Dr. Catherine Torres, then-cabinet secretary for the state Department of Health, Dr. Paul Ettestad, state Public Health Veterinarian, and Dr. Murt Byrne, president of the New Mexico Veterinary Medical Association and owner of Eldorado Animal Clinic attended the event, helping vaccinate dozens of dogs and cats for free. The World Health Organization estimates that more than 55,000 people die of rabies in the world each year, mainly in Asia and Africa. However, problems with rabies continue to persist in the nation. In 2012, six people and several hundred dogs and cats died of rabies in the U.S. New Mexico has been hard hit with rabies, especial in rural southern counties, were several unvaccinated pets had to be euthanized because they were exposed to rabies in the wildlife population. Events like World Rabies Day help to underscore the importance of rabies vaccinations, state health officials said. “Unvaccinated pets or pets not up-to-date on their rabies vaccination can be exposed to a rabid wild animal and put your family members at unnecessary risk and exposure to a very dangerous and fatal disease, Catherine Torres said at the event. Murt Byrne said his statewide association encouraged veterinarians around the state to give talks on rabies and pet health at local schools and to hold rabies vaccination clinics during the week of World Rabies Day. The clinics offer a chance for veterinarians not only to safeguard the animal from the deadly disease, but ensure the over-all health of the family pet. Murt said he hopes to expand the clinic next fall, working with the Shelter to vaccinate as many companion animals as possible. “Protecting our animals from this deadly disease is simple and inexpensive,” said state Land Commissioner Powell, who has a doctorate in veterinary medicine. “In addition, it protects our families from contracting rabies.” 10 | Animal TRACKS
Paws at the Pen Providing a second chance for dogs and people A partnership with the Santa Fe Animal Shelter and the Penitentiary of New Mexico is transforming lives — both canine and human. Paws at the Pen, which officially launched in October, connects shelter dogs with specially selected inmates for intensive dog training and care. The program is a win-win for both dogs and the inmates, said Suzanne Fuqua, the Shelter’s director of Behavior and Training. The dogs selected for the program are typically canines that have been relinquished because of behavior issues, are not doing well in the shelter, or need more intensive training outside the shelter environment. ç The inmates, who receive special training by shelter staff and volunteers, live full time with the dogs. The inmates work one-on-one with the dogs and teach basic skills such as sit, down, stand, stay, wait, controlled walking on a harness and to come when called. The dogs are also house- and cratetrained and may learn tricks like roll over and shake. The dogs graduate from this program knowing the kinds of things adopters want them to know. That leaves more time for just enjoying the relationship. “Every inmate who lives with and trains a dog is learning something about responsible pet ownership, proper dog behavior and humane caring for another being,” she said. “That’s something that can translate to the inmate’s life outside the pen.” The program has already had great success. Johnny Torres of Questa spotted Tobias online, met with him at the prison and adopted him immediately. Johnny said he was impressed with the dog and the two hit if off immediately. Tobias is now living the good life on the Torres ranch. One inmate, Daniel, worked Dogs generally stay full time with the inmates until they are ready for adoption. with Beauregard in the program and decided the beautiful black dog had to come home with him after his release. Daniel said working with the dogs was a rewarding experience, and that Beauregard would become a part of his family. “I have three grown sons who will accept him with all rights and love for better or worse,” he wrote Suzanne. “You can say I’m just like Beauregard, full of potential.” For more information about how to adopt a Paws at the Prison graduate, visit www. sfhumanesociety.org or call 983-4309 ext. 280. Would you like to support this and other similar programs that help dogs find their best match? Consider a donation. Please call 983-4309 ext. 204. Spring 2013 | 11
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