Rabies up this year in Oklahoma

Tuesday, April 15th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

McALESTER, Okla. (AP) _ State health officials have counted an unusually high number of rabies cases so far this year, prompting officials to encourage people to have their pets and livestock vaccinated.

Dr. Kristy Bradley, the state veterinarian, says the 49 cases of rabies counted is already equal to the number usually seen in an entire year.

Animals testing positive for rabies so far include 39 skunks, four cows, three dogs, two horses and a cat.

Most cases of human exposure to rabies result from contact with livestock or pets, said Bradley.

She said children should be taught never to approach unfamiliar animals and not to handle wild animals.

Cats should not be allowed to roam at night and outdoor dogs should be kept within a fenced yard or kenneled, Bradley said.