Drought Causing Increase Risk of Rabies in San Mateo County

By Bay City News Service, image via Shutterstock

The record-breaking water crisis in California has led to agricultural and economic problems, but another side effect of the drought has emerged: an increase in the risk of rabies.

San Mateo County health officials are warning residents that as summer approaches, more wild animals are looking for water and coming closer to homes. This drought-amplified trend endangers humans and pets who may be spending more time outside. To raise awareness about the heightened rabies risk this summer, San Mateo County is launching a campaign called “Protect Your Pets - Vaccinate Them,” which will be featured in public places such as billboards, public transportation, TV and movie theater advertising, and through digital and direct outreach. “Getting your pet vaccinated is the only way to protect them and the entire community against rabies, which is 100 percent fatal in animals and usually fatal in people if not treated right away,” Dr. Julia Wang-Lewis, veterinarian at Humane Society Silicon Valley, said in a statement.

Rabies can be spread and transmitted via saliva from animal bites. Pets, after contracting the disease, may also spread the disease to other humans and animals they interact with.

County health officials stress that the disease is 100 percent preventable and urge the public to take responsibility for their pets, their families, and themselves by getting their pets vaccinated for rabies.