Find a stray, stay away

Airman Thomas Trower

Stray animals may be in need of help, but only professionals should attempt to approach or capture one, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Rabies can be transmitted by many mammals such as: raccoons, skunks, bats, cats, dogs and foxes. If left untreated, rabies almost always results in death.

The Rabies Control Program at Cannon keeps an eye out for incidents that could lead toward this virus.

Anytime an Airman is bitten or scratched by an animal and they report it, the Rabies Control Program steps in, said Tech. Sgt. Dirk Tidwell, non-commissioned officer in charge of Public Health.

“Within the hour we try to find the animal and determine if it has an owner and is current with its rabies vaccinations,” said Sgt. Tidwell.

If the owner can prove that all shots are up to date, Public Health personnel then asks the owner to quarantine the animal for 10 days.

“After 10 days, if the animal is okay then the Airman doesn’t have to receive the vaccine,” said Sgt. Tidwell.

If the owner cannot show proof of current shots, the Rabies Advisory Board will decide if the Airman needs to receive the series of five shots to kill the virus. The board consists of the treating physician, Public Health and Lt. Col. Jimmie Bailey, 27th Aeromedical Dental Squadron commander.

The owner may have to have their animal quarantined at a city facility for 10 days to determine if the animal is infected.

All bites from stray animals, or animals that cannot be found for monitoring, are treated as if the animal has rabies, said Sgt. Tidwell.

“The best way to keep from getting rabies is to stay away from animals you don’t know,” said Sgt. Tidwell. “Enjoy them from a distance. Never ever adopt a wild animal.”

Sgt. Tidwell advises individuals to call the 27th Security Forces Squadron at 784-4111 to report any stray animals so that they may be captured and taken to the Clovis Animal Shelter.

Another way to lower the risk of rabies is keeping pets up to date on all of their shots. It is part of being a good pet owner, said Sgt. Tidwell.

If someone can show proof that their animal is vaccinated, the process ends at treating the wound. It makes things a lot easier for the victim and pet owner.

For more information on rabies, call Public Health at 784-4926, or visit the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov.