Although there are about 300 confirmed cases of rabies in NJ every year, and there were almost 50 cases in Monmouth & Ocean County last year, 2016 already has had some scary rabies headlines.

Puppies Sought in Connection With Rabid Dog in Monmouth County
Did you buy pit bull puppies in the Cliffwood section of Aberdeen in the past three weeks?

Aberdeen, NJ - After it was revealed that a rabid pit bull bit three people in Aberdeen last week. The Monmouth County Health Department is now seeking information from anyone who may have acquired, purchased, adopted or come into contact with pit bull puppies in the Cliffwood section of Aberdeen in the past three weeks.
“We are currently working to identify anyone who may have come into contact with pit bull puppies that may have been exposed to a confirmed case of rabies in an adult dog,” said Christopher Merkel, Monmouth County Public Health Coordinator. “We need anyone who may be in possession of, have information about, or been in contact with pit bull puppies from the Cliffwood section of Aberdeen to contact the Health Department immediately.”
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WHY DO I NEED TO VACCINATE MY PET?
Rabies is fatal!  All mammals, including humans, are susceptible to rabies.  There are about 300 confirmed cases of Rabies in NJ every year!  There were almost 50 cases of Rabies in Monmouth and Ocean County last year.

BUT MY PET DOESN'T GO OUTSIDE!
Even if your animal isn't ever "allowed" outside, accidents and escapes happen.  Unfortunately, bats in the house, are way more common than anyone likes to think.  Rabid wild animals behave erratically and are known to burst through screens and attack people and pets.
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WHAT HAPPENS:
Rabies is a virus that can affect all mammals.  It affects the brain and is almost always fatal once symptoms develop.  In NJ, over 300 animals each year are diagnosed as positive for rabies.  In Monmouth and Ocean Counties, there were almost 50 cases of diagnosed rabies in 2015!  Don't forget, the key word is "diagnosed."  This means the animal has to be caught and tested.  Countless more wild animals die from rabies.

Raccoons account for 77% of land animals that are rabid.  Rabies is frequently diagnosed in skunks (14%) cats (4%) foxes (2%) and groundhogs (2%), but rabies has also been diagnosed in deer, dogs, horses, cows, sheep, goats, rabbits and ferrets.  Bats are a significant source of rabies too (about 25% of all cases).

Breast cancer happens in animals too!

WHAT HAPPENS:  Almost 10% of women in the US will develop some type of breast tumor.  In unspayed female dogs, 25% (1 out of every four!), will develop mammary (breast) tumors.  Genetics, breed, hormones and obesity all play roles in the development of mammary tumors.  It's much less common, but males (human and animal alike) can also get breast cancer.
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