Rabies can spread via unvaccinated pets

LUBBOCK, Texas, June 9 (UPI) -- A Texas veterinarian warns campers and others outdoors to be cautious around wildlife because they can spread rabies.

Ronald Warner, of Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Lubbock, Texas, says there is active rabies in the top tier counties in the Texas panhandle.

"The Texas department of state health services office in Canyon this year has reported a total of nine infected animals," Warner said in a statement. "That exceeds the case total for 2006 and matches the total for 2007."

Wildlife encounters, especially bites or scratches from bats, skunks, coyotes, foxes, bobcats and raccoons are considered very high risk for rabies infection. However, bites or scratches from dogs or cats also can be dangerous as unvaccinated pets are often the most common link between wildlife rabies and humans.

"The biggest thing we can do to avoid exposure is to make sure that people have their pets vaccinated against rabies," Warner said. "Do your best to counsel your children not to pet strange dogs and cats under any circumstances."