SHAWANO AND MENOMINEE COUNTIES, WI – As warmer weather arrives and more pets spend time outdoors, Shawano-Menominee Counties Health Director Nick Mau is reminding residents to make sure their animals are protected against rabies before summer activities ramp up.
Mau says keeping pets current on rabies vaccinations is not only important for safety, but also required under Wisconsin law. He noted that pet owners can choose between annual or three-year rabies vaccines depending on what they and their veterinarian decide is best for their animal.
“ Make sure you are current on rabies vaccination. There’s an annual vaccine, there’s a three-year vaccine, whatever one you and your vet decide to do,” Mau said. “This is actually required by law.”
Mau says there are several simple ways residents can reduce the risk of rabies exposure, including keeping pets from roaming freely and limiting their contact with wildlife. He says people should also be cautious around wild animals that are more commonly associated with carrying the virus.
“Skunks and bats, some raccoons are the most likely animals to carry rabies,” Mau said.
According to Mau, staying proactive with vaccinations and prevention measures can help keep both pets and families safe throughout the busy summer months, when animals and people are spending more time outside.
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