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Dog Attacked by Rabid Mountain Lion

Cordes Lakes AZ (May 8, 2012) – On May 4, 2012 while camping on the southeast side of Cordes Lakes, a Chino Valley man’s family dog was attacked by a rabid Mountain Lion. The owner of the dog beat the mountain lion to death with an iron skillet. The lion’s remains were sent to the Arizona State Laboratory and tested positive for rabies. The dog was current on its vaccinations but will still need to be quarantined for the next 45 days to insure its health. 

Rabies is an infectious disease that affects the nervous system of humans and other mammals. People and un-vaccinated animals may get rabies from the bite of an infected animal or if saliva from the animal gets directly into a person’s or animal’s eyes, nose, mouth or any break in the skin. Vaccine is given to at-risk individuals to prevent the disease.

Rabies is nearly always fatal if not treated after exposure resulting in infection.

Wild animals such as foxes, skunks, and coyotes are more likely than domestic animals to be infected with rabies due to the widespread vaccination of domestic animals. Domestic cats, dogs, ferrets, and horses can become infected if they are not vaccinated.

Follow these tips to prevent rabies:

· Never handle a wild animal like a bat, raccoon, skunk, or fox.

· If you wake up in a room with a bat present, regardless if there is evidence of a bite or scratch, seek medical attention. If at all possible trap the bat for testing. Do not release the bat.

· Wash animal bites thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical attention immediately.

· If bitten by a wild/stray animal, quarantine the animal if possible. Call the local animal control or the Arizona Game and Fish Department to report an incident.

· Teach children never to handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic even if they appear friendly.

· Do not handle dead animals, especially bats.

· Prevent bats and raccoons from entering homes or spaces where people and pets may be present.

· Keep vaccinations current for dogs, cats and ferrets. Keep cats and ferrets inside and dogs under direct supervision.

For more information about this event or any of the Yavapai County Community Health Services, contact David McAtee at 928-442-5509. 

SedonaEye.com Four Footed Star pet columnist, Harley McGuire, says “Please get your pets vaccinated today.”

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