HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 04-21-1998 - 10cORANGE COUNTY
Board of Commissioners
Action Agenda Item Abstract
Meeting Date: April 21, 1998
Subject: Rabies Control Program Update
Department: HEALTH
Attachments(s):
Rabies Control Program Update
Action Agenda
Item No. p.
Public Hearing Yes X No
Budget Amendment Needed Yes X No
Information Contact:
Health Director's Office x2411
Animal Control Director x2081
Telephone Number
Hillsborough - 732 -8181
Chapel Hill - 968 -4501
Mebane - 227 -2031
Durham - 688 -7331
Purpose: To receive an update on the Rabies Control Program in Orange County.
Background: In 1996 there were 740 cases of rabies reported in North Carolina. In calendar
year 1997 there were 879 rabies cases reported in the state. Orange County had the second
highest incidence rate in calendar year 1997 with a total of 106 cases. Ninety -two of those were
in raccoons, 10 in skunks, 1 bat, 2 cats, and 1 fox. Rabies has not abated in the wildlife
population, therefore citizens must continue to be viligant in guarding the human/animal
interface. The Animal Control Division has a well - developed education program and response
plan to address this need.
Recommendation: Manager recommends receiving the report as an update.
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Rabies Update
INTRODUCTION
• Rabies is pandemic in the wildlife population
• THERE IS NO WAY TO CONTROL RABIES IN WILDLIFE POPULATIONS
• We must protect the human/animal interface - - -the primary problem we have is when
our domestic pets are unvaccinated or have contact with a rabid wild animal
FACTS
• Estimates from a formula applied to the 1990 census indicate that there are
approximately 45,000 domestic animals in Orange County
• The health department has 34,500 of those animals in the "registration database"
• Achieved 80% vaccination rate of the 34,500 animals in the current database -
(28,400)
• Leaves approximately 6,000 unvaccinated animals that can be tracked by address
• The remaining 11,000 animals in the population estimate are roughly split between
vaccinated and unvaccinated animals. Research has shown that "transient"
populations like students generally have vaccinated their pets
• This still leaves about 5,000 animals that are unvaccinated that can't be traced to an
address
• For the time period July 1997 - March 1998
♦ Conducted 437 rabies suspect/exposure investigations
♦ Sent 189 specimens to the state lab for rabies testing
♦ Seventy -seven of the 189 tested positive for rabies
WHAT HAS OCHD DONE?
• Held 22 low -cost or no -cost rabies vaccination clinics in 1996 and 22 in 1997 (14 by
Animal Control and 8 by the Animal Protection Society)
• Conducted Rabies Awareness Education Programs in both school systems for 3 years
running to:
♦ all 4th graders in both systems
♦ 6th graders in Orange County School System
♦ 7th graders in Chapel Hill /Carrboro School System
• In 1996, more than 10,000 rabies booklets were distributed to students, rabies clinic
participants, veterinarian offices
• Canvassing packages have been left on citizen doors (will have map available that
shows the roads canvassed)
• Educational programs at civic /volunteer organizations (boy scout and girl scout
troops, Cattleman's Association)
• Newspaper articles at least monthly
• Interview on "In Touch with Orange County" cable TV show
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CURRENT PLANS
• Scheduled low -cost rabies vaccination clinics for 1998 (8 dates, each with two
locations sponsored by Animal Control); Animal Protection Society has scheduled six
dates in 1998, most at the Animal Shelter
• Send a letter to all 6,000 owners of unvaccinated pets on the database urging them to
vaccinate their animals
♦ Follow -up with reminder post -cards after 30 days
• Mount a "new" public education campaign with a two -fold objective:
1) to get the 5,000 unvaccinated and unidentified animals vaccinated
2) to let the public know how they can best protect themselves
♦ Activities will include:
- regular public service announcements on radio
- public brochures in tax mailing
-Hog Day booth
- rabies brochures to day camps
- rabies brochures in the following locations:
local physician offices
veterinarian offices
public libraries
waiting rooms in all county offices
- rabies brochure /single sheet distribution to all school children prior to the
end of the school year
- continued news releases of rabies cases monthly
• Continue the Rabies Awareness Education Programs in both school systems
• Continue the canvassing packages to citizen's home, focusing on areas not yet
canvassed
• Continue educational programs at civic /volunteer organizations, targeting those
groups that emphasize outdoor activities (4 -H, boy scout, girl scouts, caving groups)
• Mailing to all Orange County physicians on post - exposure treatment and reporting
procedures. Packet includes state prepared materials and letter from medical director
to the phyisicians. Collaborate with Durham County Health Department on Durham
providers.
• Communicable disease nurse will offer in- service educational sessions on guidelines
for post - exposure treatment
FUTURE PUBLIC EVENTS TO BUILD POSITIVE IMAGE
• Pet of the Year Contest for Children with vaccination criteria as "entry fee"
• Pet Show for "Best -Cared for Pets"
Community education events on "How to Take Care of Your Pet," "Responsible Pet
Ownership," etc.
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