Common Questions > Rabies Vaccinations

1. Rabies vaccinations for dogs and cats are required by law.
2. Rabies is transmitted by the saliva of infected mammals, primarily dogs, cats, skunks, raccoons, and bats. There have been isolated cases of rabid cows and horses.
3. RABIES, IF UNTREATED, IS FATAL TO HUMANS.
4. The treatment for a bite by a rabid animal is long and painful.
5. An unvaccinated animal that is bitten by a rabid animal should be destroyed.
6. An unvaccinated animal that bites a human will likely be destroyed in order to test for rabies.
7. The number of positive tests for rabies in Rutherford County has increased from 8 in 1992-93 to over 50 in 1997-98
8. Rutherford County has more animals test positive for rabies than the rest of Tennessee.
9. Nearly all of the animal that test positive for rabies in Rutherford County are skunks, which are being driven out of their normal habitat by development. IF YOU SEE A SKUNK OUT IN THE DAYTIME, LEAVE IT ALONE (IT IS PROBABLY RABID) AND CALL 898-7740.
10. Racoons are beginning to show up in Eastern Tennessee with a new strain of rabies that may lead to increased cases of rabies among cows and horses.
11. At least once a year the Rutherford County Veterinarians offer rabies shots for a discounted rate during the "Rabies Clinic Week." Call your local veternarian for a schedule.

THE RISK IS GREAT; THE COST OF PROTECTION IS LOW.

For additional information, visit the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association)

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