On September 4, the OC Animal Care Rabies Control Program held its 4th annual Rabies Awareness Event. This event is held each year in observance of World Rabies Day, which began as a way to increase community awareness of the disease and its prevention. World Rabies Day is observed on September 28 of each year, the anniversary of the death of Louis Pasteur who, with the collaboration of his colleagues, developed the first efficacious rabies vaccine. We would like to thank Noble Friends Foundation for providing the funding necessary to make this event a success. Noble Friends Foundation is a non-profit organization designed to provide support to OC Animal Care and shelter pets. With their assistance, 52 dogs and cats received free or discounted rabies vaccinations. In addition to providing rabies vaccinations, Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control attended to help educate attendees on the importance of mosquito abatement. Tustin Legacy Animal Hospital was on hand to introduce their newly constructed veterinary facility and distribute information on the services they provide. Lastly, OC Animal Care provided emergency preparedness information for pets, including pet evacuation kit handouts, watertight go bags, and collapsible bowls to help pet owners start the planning process. While the United States generally no longer experiences some of the challenges other countries might with respect to rabies control, it is important for the community to know that rabies is still found in Orange County. Due in large part to readily available vaccines and strict surveillance efforts, it has been decades since rabies was last found in a domestic dog or cat. However, Orange County does see rabies in wildlife, particularly bats. To date in 2018, there have been 7 rabid bats found in Orange County. If you encounter a wild animal that appears to be ill or acting abnormally, please contact your local animal control agency for assistance.
