RABIES CASES SURGING - Vaccines Suggested For Cattle

(04/30/2008)

Rabies appears to be making a comeback. The West Virginia Department of Agriculture is encouraging farmers to vaccinate their livestock against rabies. Two major cases of livestock infections have been reported this year. Twenty head of cattle from a Greenbrier County farm were put under quarantine after a rabid goat was found. Then, Agriculture Commissioner Gus Douglass ordered the destruction of 84 heifers at a Hampshire County cattle farm after some animals tested positive for rabies. State law does not require rabies inoculations for livestock. Dr. Joe Starcher, the state veterinarian, says pet dogs and cats must be vaccinated every two years. Four un-vaccinated pets in Summers County - three dogs and a cat - were euthanized last week after coming into contact with a rabid skunk. The current rabies vaccine is approved only for dogs, cats, cattle, horses and sheep.

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