FARMINGTON HILLS (WWJ) – Health officials in Oakland County have confirmed a dog found wandering in Detroit and brought to a veterinary hospital in Farmington Hills has tested positive for rabies.
It is the first rabies case in a dog in Oakland County that current animal control employees can remember, Oakland County Health Department officials said Thursday.
“This rabies case is a reminder of how vital it is for dog owners to have their pets vaccinated to prevent the spread of disease,” said Bob Gatt, manager of Oakland County Animal Control. “It not only protects other pets but children and adults, as well.”
A resident found the dog on the streets of Detroit and took it back to their home, where it stayed for three days, according to the health department.
Last Wednesday the dog “began displaying neurological symptoms,” so, the resident took the dog to Advanced Veterinary Medical Center in Farmington Hills.
A veterinarian assessed the dog and determined it should be humanely euthanized.
Vet staff then prepared the dog’s remains to be tested for rabies and transferred them to Oakland County Animal Control, who then packaged them for safe transport to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services lab in Lansing.
On Wednesday the MDHHS informed the county that the dog tested positive for rabies.
There’s no indication that the dog bit the person who took it in or anyone else who had come into subsequent contact with the dog. They were, however, exposed to the dog’s saliva.
Health officials did not say whether the person had been tested for rabies.
The person's age and hometown were not disclosed. Authorities have not said what breed of dog it was.
“If a person or a pet is exposed to any wild or unknown animal, wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water, then seek medical or veterinary attention immediately, even if the animal was previously vaccinated,” said Oakland County Medical Director Russell Faust. “The rabies virus is found in the saliva of infected animals and is spread through bites or scratches.”
Officials say when rabies is present in a community, you should “keep away from unfamiliar animals, especially if they are acting strangely such as having problems swallowing, exhibiting lots of drool or saliva, appearing tamer than you would expect, biting at everything, and/or having trouble moving or are paralyzed.”
More information about rabies and how to protect yourself can be found on the Health Division’s website.
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