Talk on rabies is July 26 in East Granby

(Press Release)

Dr. Kathy Kudish, Deputy State Public Health Veterinarian at the Connecticut Department of Public Health, is coming to East Granby on July 26 to help us learn how to protect ourselves and our pets from the uncommon, but fatal, disease of rabies.  She'll answer such questions as: how common is rabies in Connecticut and in the rest of the world? When did rabies become a problem in the northeast? Which animal species can get rabies? How long is the incubation period for the disease to develop? Under what circumstances should a person seek rabies prevention if bitten? What are the symptoms to watch for in our pets?

In the past two decades, there has been an increase of rabies among wild animals in Connecticut. It has been found in every county of the state.  Since 2000, there have been at least 6 incidences of rabies in East Granby involving 1 skunk, 1 gray fox, and 4 raccoons.  Dogs who contract rabies from infected wild animals are the primary source of transmission to humans.

Sponsored by the East Granby Land Trust and the East Granby Public Library, Kathy's talk will take place at the East Granby Public Library on July 26, 2012, at 7 p.m. in the large meeting room.  The program is free and open to the public. Reservations are not required, but would be appreciated to help with seating plans. Please call the library at 860 653-3002 or Jeanne Dube at 860 658-9331 for more information or to register.