News Releases...

News Releases...

RABIES ALERT NEWS RELEASE – 3/30/2005
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All county residents are to be advised that Howell County now has 3 confirmed cases of rabies since January 2005. Residents are encouraged to be aware of the need to have domestic dogs and cats vaccinated.

The most recent current case was reported on 3/29/2005 on CR7760 in the West Plains area and involved a skunk which made contact with a dog. This situation is optimistic in that the dog had current vaccination for rabies. As per protocol, the dog will be observed for a period of 45days. The second case reported was on 3/18/2005 on CR8890 in the West Plains area and involved three dogs. All of these dogs were current on rabies vaccination and will be observed for 45 days. The first case was on 1/5/2005 on CR4730 in the West Plains area and also involved a dog which was not vaccinated and had to be euthanised.

Rabies is a disease caused by a virus that can affect the nerve tissue in all warm-blooded animals, including man. Rabies results in death by paralysis. Carriers of the disease include several wild animals common in Missouri . Rabies is transmitted in the saliva of a rabid animal through the act of biting or scratching or exposure to broken skin.

Treatment for rabies averages between $1200 and $3000 per person treated resulting millions of dollars spent annually for rabies treatment. Rabies is more than a public health problem. It also represents a serious drain on the State’s economy. The State of Missouri spends more than $5.6 million annually for testing of animals related to rabies exposure. In addition to the economic costs, thousands of pets have to be sacrificed each year in efforts to control the spread of Rabies.

Control of rabies is a reachable goal. Numerous countries and some states are free or virtually free of rabies. Their success shows what could be achieved in Missouri. The main rule for rabies control can be accomplished in any community, which initiated and maintains a program for the removal of stray and unwanted animals supplemented by veterinary vaccination of animals, which have owners.

The Howell County Health Department, in cooperation with surrounding County Health Department and local veterinarians, is sponsoring a “Rabies Vaccination Clinic” on Saturday, April 30 TH, 2005. The vaccination will be at a reduced cost per animal and no appointment is necessary at any of the clinic locations. Other vaccines and services will be available at reduced prices. You can protect your family, friends, neighbors, community and pets from rabies by having all of your pets vaccinated. The area clinics are being held at several locations for your convenience. Listed below are the times and locations of the clinics. Howell County Health Department would like to extend their grateful appreciation our Howell County Veterinarians and the participating public.

For more information about rabies, contact the Howell County Health Department at 256-7078, or online at http://howell.lphamo.org.

4-1-2005 - New issue of Monthly Monitor now available, click here.

3-30-2005 - "Stay healthy at animal exhibits this summer!" Sanitary conditions at petting zoos are under the microscope after a string of E. coli cases showed up in children who had visited Florida petting zoos in recent weeks. Medical investigators have not yet identified the source of the bacteria, but contamination within the petting zoos has not been ruled out. No state or federal agency regulates the sanitary conditions at petting zoos. CDC has issued recommendations to reduce the risk of transmission at animal exhibits and the Florida Department of Health passed the recommendations along, but the Department is not responsible for enforcing them or inspecting petting zoos. (“No agency monitors petting-zoo sanitary conditions” Orlando Sentinel (03/24/05) Christopher Sherman) For more information, visit: http://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/spotlight_an_exhbts.htm

3-30-2005 - Howell County Health Department received report of a positive rabies specimen from the Department of Health and Senior Services found in a skunk. Exposure involved 1 dog on 3-30-05 on CR 7760. This dog had current vaccination and will be observed for 45 days. This makes 3 positive specimens found in the County since January 1, 2005. To view news release, click here.

3-29-2005 - Lead Poisoning Prevention - "Lead exposure can harm young children and babies before they are born." To learn more, click here.

3-29-2005 - “ Willow Walk Off: Boot Camp” April 4th - May 13th - Sign up Willow Springs for this 6 week exercise program under the Pavilion at the New Willow Walking Trail on April 4 th, 2005 . For more information, contact Dawn Hicks, 256-7078. To view flyer, click here.

3-28-2005 - Rabies clinic schedule posted. To view, click here.

3-28-2005 - Rabies map updated to view, click here.

3-24-2005 - Some establishment inspections are now viewable. Click on the above link or click here to view.

3-24-2005 - Rabies Clinic set for April 30th, 2005 at the Howell County Fairgrounds. For more information, contact your local veterinarian, or the Health Department at 417-256-7078. A flyer will be posted when available.

3-18-2005 - Howell County Health Department received report of a positive rabies specimen from the Department of Health and Senior Services found in a skunk. Exposure occurred involving 3 dogs on 3-17-05 on CR 8890. All dogs had current vaccination, and received a booster vaccination after incident. This makes two positive specimens found in the County since January 1, 2005.