NHS Service

Why are Rabies Vaccinations Important for Pet Travel?

Why are Rabies Vaccinations Important for Pet Travel?

 

Rabies is a very serious and thankfully very rare brain infection which also affects the central nervous system that is most usually caught from the scratch or bite of an infected animal. It is a disease found throughout the world but especially in Asia, Africa and Central and South America. There is a rabies vaccination and treatment for rabies which is very effective if it is commenced early enough. The rabies vaccination is available for people and travelling pets. If you are looking for the rabies vaccination in Hanwell or the rabies vaccination in Bromley then contact Touchwood Pharmacy for more information.

The Importance of Rabies Vaccines

Whether administered to humans or animals, the rabies vaccine is hugely important to protect travellers from what is a fatal disease and, in the case of animals, to keep the UK’s status of ‘rabies-free’ intact. Rabies is not found in the UK other than in a very small number of wild bats but it is seldom transmitted from this species to humans. Rabies could, however, be introduced by importing an infected animal and this could also spread the disease to the human population. This is why there is a vaccination protocol in place for pet owners and animal importers.

What are the symptoms of rabies?

Most people seek early treatment if they are bitten or scratched by an infected animal even if they have had the rabies vaccination. Without treatment, symptoms will develop which include a high temperature, headaches, anxiety and a feeling of being unwell. Later on, this is followed by confusion or aggression, hallucinations, the production of excess saliva or frothing at the mouth and muscle spasms. The patient will experience difficulty in both swallowing and breathing which will be followed by paralysis and then death.

Rabies Vaccine for Your Pet

The veterinary profession has an established pet passport scheme which includes rabies vaccines for your pet if you are travelling abroad. You should put this in place at least four months before you intend to travel. The departure of the UK from the European Union will change the protocols and your vet will be able to explain what this entails.

If you want the rabies vaccination in Hanwell or in Bromley, then contact Touchwood Pharmacy for everything you need to know about protecting yourself from rabies when you travel. There is much more information on our website https://www.touchwoodpharmacy.com/