Rabid Bats Found On Chicago's North Side; Vets Urge Pet Owners To Vaccinate

CHICAGO, Sept. 18, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The recent discovery of rabid bats in Chicago is an important reminder for pet owners to have their cats and dogs vaccinated to prevent rabies.

"Rabid bats are a cause for concern for pet owners," said Dr. Jerry Klein, the supervising veterinarian at Chicago Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center and co-winner of America's Favorite Veterinarian award. "Because bats may enter homes, rabid bats pose a danger to all pets, even indoor cats. Pet owners should make certain that all cats and dogs have up-to-date rabies vaccinations to reduce the risk to pets and people."

Pet owners are encouraged to contact their regular veterinarian to make certain that their pets are up-to-date on the rabies vaccination, and promptly schedule an appointment for one if they are not.

Rabies is a highly contagious and deadly disease that is easily spread through the saliva of animals and through bites from bats and other animals. There is no cure for rabies.

Rabies vaccinations for dogs are required in most areas of the country. Many areas also have laws that require cats to be vaccinated against rabies. Unvaccinated pets that have potentially been exposed to rabid animals are typically quarantined for observation at the owner's expense. Many times the pet will be euthanized.

"We want to remind everyone to never touch a wild animal and never let their pet touch a wild animal as rabies is easily spread," said Dr. Klein. "It's important to remind children of this danger as well." Anyone encountering a wild animal that appears sickly or fails to move away from them should contact their city's animal care and control facility immediately to have the wild animal removed.

About Chicago Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center (www.ChicagoPetEmergency.com)
Chicago Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center provides advanced emergency, critical and specialty care for cats and dogs. Each year, the center treats more than 11,000 cats and dogs in its emergency room, and thousands more are cared for by veterinary specialists.

Staffed by highly trained specialists and equipped with the latest technology, Chicago Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center is always open – 24 hours. In addition to emergency veterinarians and staff, the facility offers board-certified veterinarians who specialize in cardiology, dentistry, dermatology, diagnostic imaging, internal medicine, neurology, oncology, ophthalmology and surgery. This state-of-the-art facility includes ultrasound and MRI equipment, specialized surgical suites, a blood bank, specialized oxygen cages, heart monitors and more. A cancer and rehabilitation center is located across the street. Chicago Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center has been providing emergency care for cats and dogs since 1978.

Media Availability
Veterinary doctors at Chicago Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center are available for interview and comment. Arrangements can be made for video to be shot at Chicago Emergency & Specialty Center facilities.

SOURCE Chicago Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center

Related Links

http://www.ChicagoPetEmergency.com