Title: Recent Rabies Case Confirmed in Puppy in Bernalillo County, New Mexico
Bernalillo County, New Mexico – In a concerning event, a puppy in Bernalillo County has recently tested positive for rabies, marking the first reported case in a dog in the state since 2013. This also represents the first occurrence of rabies in the county since 2006.
According to the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH), the affected puppy had recently arrived in New Mexico and possibly contracted the virus while in Texas. NMDOH assures the public that there is currently no ongoing risk of an outbreak.
Tragically, due to the severity of the symptoms, the affected puppy had to be euthanized. However, the additional animals that had been in contact with the puppy did not require euthanasia thanks to their owners’ diligence in keeping their rabies vaccines up to date.
As a precautionary measure, the six individuals who had direct contact with the puppy are receiving post-exposure rabies shots. Furthermore, animals that had been in contact with the infected puppy have received booster shots and will be closely monitored for 45 days.
It is important to note that young puppies are particularly vulnerable to infectious diseases, including rabies. Until they have completed their full vaccine series, they remain susceptible. The state of New Mexico mandates rabies vaccination for dogs and cats over three months old and strongly recommends it for other animals such as horses.
The puppy in this case displayed typical rabies symptoms, including lack of coordination, tremors, and aggression. Regrettably, it had not received a rabies vaccine due to its young age.
NMDOH emphasizes that rabies remains relatively rare in New Mexico, with animals contracting the disease either from local wildlife or from visiting regions where it is more prevalent.
Residents are urged to visit the New Mexico Department of Health website to access further information regarding rabies. It is essential to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect both pets and humans from this potentially serious illness.
As the community comes together to raise awareness, it is crucial to ensure all pets are appropriately vaccinated against rabies to prevent any future incidents.
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