This message is from: "Mary Ofjord" <ma...@boreal.org>
A few years ago, when I wrote for a small horse publication, I researched the rabies issue in Minnesota because folks wanted to know if they should vaccinate for the disease. The research was interesting, to say the least. I have NOT vaccinated for rabies, yet, but will be doing so in the future. >From 2008 to 2012, Minnesota had 326 cases of rabies. There has never been a reported case of rabies in Cook County, where we live. Our county is mostly wilderness, and there are a lot of animals around here, including skunks, bats, foxes, etc. Interestingly, most of the cases involved bats and skunks in other parts of the state. Only one horse has tested positive for rabies during those years. Apparently I have been very lucky because when I was a child, I used to capture bats that hid behind the shutters on cabins. I would carefully pick them up with a stick and place them in my jacket, only to surprise my friends when I opened my jacket and had bats hanging in there! YIKES! Yes, I knew bats might carry rabies, but I guess I didn't know any better and I was very careful that they didn't bite me. Our rabies vaccines also must be administered by a vet, but they are only around $30. Cheap insurance to be sure. Mary Ofjord North Coast Services, LLC 218-387-1879 "I give rabies shots Every year" Lucky you! In calif you can only get your animals vaccinated by a vet. It has been outlawed for consumers to obtain the vaccine. Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw FH_L Shirts: http://tinyurl.com/8yky94l
