DOVER – Delaware’s Division of Public Health (DPH) is warning residents in the Sharpley area (near Mt. Lebanon and Sharpley Roads) who may have come into contact with a raccoon found to be rabid on Thursday, April 20, 2017. The raccoon was picked up after getting into a fight with a domestic cat in the area and died during the altercation with the cat and pet owner. The cat is currently under quarantine following exposure.

Anyone who thinks they might have been bitten, scratched or come in contact with a raccoon should immediately contact their health care provider or call the DPH Rabies Program at 302-744-4995. An epidemiologist is available 24/7. Also anyone who thinks their pet may have been bitten by this raccoon should call their private veterinarian or the Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA) at 302-698-4630.

Residents should take precautions against rabies by:

• Avoiding wild and feral animals, regardless of whether or not the animal seems “friendly.” Not all rabid animals exhibit the classic signs of the rabies illness, such as aggression, depression, or other abnormal behavior.
• Ensuring their pets are up-to-date with rabies shots.
• Keeping pets indoors or, while outside, supervising them on a leash.
• Warm spring and summer temperatures lead to more outdoor activities, which increase possible exposure to rabies through contact with animals such as bats, raccoons, skunks and foxes.

Since January 2017, rabies tests have been performed on 27 Delaware animals, five of which were confirmed to be rabid, including three raccoons, one cat, and one dog. As with other recent rabies animal cases, the Office of Animal Welfare has gone door to door near where the raccoon was found to talk to residents and distribute literature.

“This is the third rabies case we have seen in animals during the month of April,” said DPH Epidemiologist Amanda Bundek. “The others were a raccoon in another part of Wilmington and a cat in Bridgeville. Rabies is a problem statewide, even in urban areas. Taking precautions is important, especially now that people and their pets are spending more time outside.”

Rabies in humans and animals cannot be cured once symptoms appear. If the animal is of unknown origin or unavailable to be quarantined or tested, the Division of Public Health recommends that people receive postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) treatment, a series of four vaccinations, as a precaution.

Rabies is an infectious disease affecting the nervous system of humans and other mammals. Infection can occur through the bite or scratch of an infected animal or if saliva from such an animal gets into the eyes, nose, mouth or an opening in the skin.

Fortunately, rabies is also almost 100 percent preventable. DPH recommends that members of the public take the necessary steps to stay clear of exposure to rabies. Rabies prevention starts with the animal owner. Vaccination of pets and livestock is a crucial factor in rabies prevention.

• All dogs, cats and ferrets 6 months of age and older are required by Delaware law to be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian. Consider vaccinating livestock and horses. It is recommended to consult with your private veterinarian if you have any questions regarding whether your animal(s) should be rabies vaccinated.
• Pet owners can reduce the possibility of pets being exposed to rabies by not letting them roam free.
• Spaying or neutering your pet may reduce the tendency to roam or fight and thus reduce the chance they will be exposed to rabies.
• Do not feed or water your pets outdoors; bowls can attract wild and stray animals.
• Keep your garbage securely covered.
• Do not handle unfamiliar animals, including cats and dogs, even if they appear friendly.

For more information on the DPH rabies program, visit: http://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/dpc/rabies.html or call 1-866-972-9705 or 302-744-4995. For more information on rabies, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at http://www.cdc.gov/rabies/.

A person who is deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind or speech-disabled can call the DPH phone number above by using TTY services. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-232-5460 to type your conversation to a relay operator, who reads your conversation to a hearing person at DPH. The relay operator types the hearing person’s spoken words back to the TTY user. To learn more about TTY availability in Delaware, visit http://delawarerelay.com.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. DPH, a division of DHSS, urges Delawareans to make healthier choices with the 5-2-1 Almost None campaign: eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day, have no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time each day (includes TV, computer, gaming), get 1 or more hours of physical activity each day, and drink almost no sugary beverages.

DOVER – In recognition of Dog Bite Prevention Week from April 9 to 15, 2017 the Division of Public Health Office of Animal Welfare (OAW) aims to reduce dog bite occurrences with useful tips for anyone who comes in contact with dogs. Dog bites are often preventable with responsible dog ownership and correct behavior around dogs.

In 2016, 1,564 dog bites to humans were reported to the Delaware Division of Public Health. Owners may be liable if their dog bites a person or another animal, but having control of one’s dog can greatly decrease bite risks.

“It is extremely important for owners to develop a strong and respectful relationship with your dog so you can control it when it interacts with people and other animals,” said OAW Delaware Animal Services Supervisor Chief Mark Tobin. “Having control of your dog will help you have a better relationship with not only your dog, but also other people and other animals.”

If a dog is involved in a bite and does not have a current rabies vaccination, it will face 10-day quarantine at an animal shelter at the owner’s expense. If it is vaccinated, it will face a 10-day quarantine at home. A dog owner may also face fines for failure to vaccinate, and possibly dangerous dog charges depending on the circumstances.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 4.5 million dog bites occur every year in the United States and more than half of those bites occur at home with familiar dogs. Many of these bites involve children. The National Canine Research Council found that no one breed of dog is more likely to bite a human or other animal than another.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) provide the following tips to help prevent dog bites:

• Never pet a dog without asking permission from its owner.
• Leave a dog alone while it is eating or sleeping.
• Know common dog bite triggers, such as when a dog is in pain, injured or ill. Also be cautious when a dog is exposed to loud noises, crowds, and people in uniforms, costumes or hats.
• Seek help from a veterinarian and/or dog behavior specialist the first time a dog shows any aggressive behavior.

Tips for families with children:

• Never leave a child younger than 10 years old alone with a dog, even if that child is familiar with the dog.
• Teach children not to run, yell, hit or make sudden movements toward any dog.
• Instruct children that a dog’s bed, crate and food bowl are off-limits places where the dog should be left alone, and never to bother a dog that is eating or in its bed or crate.
• Inform children to quietly walk away if approached by an unfamiliar dog. If the dog continues to advance, stand completely still like a tree.

In addition to practicing responsible behavior around dogs, the AVMA recommends socialization for all dogs. Some socialization tips include:

• Expose dogs to regular positive and diverse experiences to acclimate them to a variety of situations.
• Provide praise, play and treats to reward dogs for positive social interactions with people and other animals.

Develop a plan with a veterinarian and/or dog behaviorist for dogs that have special behavioral needs.

A person who is deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind or speech-disabled can call the DPH phone number above by using TTY services. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-232-5460 to type your conversation to a relay operator, who reads your conversation to a hearing person at DPH. The relay operator types the hearing person’s spoken words back to the TTY user. To learn more about TTY availability in Delaware, visit http://delawarerelay.com.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. DPH, a division of DHSS, urges Delawareans to make healthier choices with the 5-2-1 Almost None campaign: eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day, have no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time each day (includes TV, computer, gaming), get 1 or more hours of physical activity each day, and drink almost no sugary beverages.

Dover – The Division of Public Health (DPH) announced today the hiring of Patricia Blevins as the new Office of Animal Welfare (OAW) Director. Blevins, an animal advocate for many years and one of the strongest supporters for overhauling and improving the statewide animal welfare system, will join DPH on Jan. 30, 2017, as OAW executive director. Hetti Brown, the original executive director, resigned the position in December 2016 to move to the Midwest.

Blevins, while most well-known for her work as a state senator, has nearly 20 years-experience in managing personnel and agencies, including nine years as executive director of the Delaware Helpline and three years managing the Denison Branch of Girls, Inc. She also served on the Elsmere Town Council and as Mayor of Elsmere.

In 2012-2013, Blevins chaired the state Animal Welfare Task Force, which reviewed the effectiveness of animal control programs in Delaware, as well as examining strategies to increase spay/neuter programming and animal cruelty investigation and prosecutions. For background on the Task Force, visit https://animalservices.delaware.gov/about/history.

“We are so thrilled that Patti Blevins was willing to join us,” said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay. “She has the combination of leadership, budget, and management experience, plus a deep knowledge about the Delaware animal system and its strengths and challenges that we need. We were sorry to lose Hetti Brown and wanted to fill her shoes with someone who will continue to chart this new path. As one of the original architects of the constantly evolving animal welfare system, Blevins is the perfect replacement.”

Founded in 2013, the Office of Animal Welfare is committed to protecting the health, safety, and welfare of companion animals, and dedicated to promoting the human-animal bond in the state of Delaware. It offers a variety of programs and services, including:

• Spay and Neuter Services: Provides low-cost sterilization and free rabies vaccination to persons receiving public assistance. Residents of Delaware may apply at www.FixedandFab.com.
• Animal Shelter Oversight and Euthanasia Technician Certification: Conducts annual inspections of all animal shelters and investigations concerning possible violations of the Shelter Standards Law. To view inspection records or submit a complaint, visit dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/oaw/animalshelterstdsoversight.html.
• Emergency Animal Sheltering and Disaster Response: A team of more than 100 volunteers, named the State Animal Response Team, assists with animal evacuation, emergency sheltering, search and rescue, and veterinary support during emergencies. To learn more about volunteering, visit dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/oaw/files/darflyer.pdf.
• Delaware Animal Services, 24-hour Hotline 302-255-4646: Provides animal control, rabies control, and cruelty enforcement statewide, administers the state dog licensing program, and manages the state Lost and Found Pet Registry. To learn more about DAS, visit Animal.Services.Delaware.gov.
• Animal Control and Cruelty Agent Certification: Regulates training and certification requirements for all persons acting as an Animal Welfare Officer in the state, and conducts training for officers who wish to be certified.
• Delaware Animal License plate: The plate sells for a one-time fee of $50, and $35 of each sale is allocated to the Animal Welfare License Plate Fund. Revenue is used to provide spay and neuter surgeries for community cats, low-income pet owners, and to supplement spay and neuter funds for Delaware shelters and rescues.
• And more…

A list of OAW accomplishments to date include:

• Launched the first statewide animal control and cruelty enforcement unit, Delaware Animal Services (DAS), with a centralized case dispatch function. DAS receives and responds to more than 1,000 calls per month concerning stray, endangered, or abused animals.
• Created a statewide Lost and Found Pet Registry and licensing database to aid in reuniting owners with lost pets and tracking rabies vaccination and dog licensing records. To learn more, visit AnimalServices.Delaware.gov.
• Reformed the state emergency response and sheltering program for animals affected during disasters, and developed the State Animal Response Team.
• Implemented several critical updates to the State Spay & Neuter Program, including a statewide campaign with a website, online applications and easy payment options, and new grant program offered to nonprofit shelter and rescue groups. The number of clients served has doubled since implementation.
• Published regulations and developed an oversight function for the Shelter Standards Law. Now all shelters receive annual inspections and persons conducting euthanasia in shelters are state-certified.
• Developed state training and certification requirements for animal control officers and cruelty investigators.
• Hosted annual Delaware State Spay Days, providing free surgeries and rabies vaccinations to pet owners with low incomes.
• Launched the Second Chance Program, which teaches adjudicated youth how to train and handle sheltered dogs that need behavioral training before transitioning into their new homes
• Successfully advocated for new laws to prohibit animals from being left in vehicles in dangerous temperatures, increase adoption opportunities for animals seized in cruelty investigations, protect outdoor dogs in inclement weather, improve dangerous dog case management for a more fair and equitable process, and prohibit inhumane euthanasia procedures in animal shelters.

For further information on the DPH Office of Animal Welfare, visit http://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/oaw/oawhome.html.

A person who is deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind or speech-disabled can call the DPH phone number above by using TTY services. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-232-5460 to type your conversation to a relay operator, who reads your conversation to a hearing person at DPH. The relay operator types the hearing person’s spoken words back to the TTY user. To learn more about TTY availability in Delaware, visit http://delawarerelay.com.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. DPH, a division of DHSS, urges Delawareans to make healthier choices with the 5-2-1 Almost None campaign: eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day, have no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time each day (includes TV, computer, gaming), get 1 or more hours of physical activity each day, drink almost no sugary beverages.

New Castle – The Division of Public Health (DPH) Office of Animal Welfare (OAW) is announcing several changes to dog licensing for 2017 that will benefit Delaware residents. Senior citizens (65+) who own dogs will now be offered a reduced rate for dogs that have been spayed or neutered. The rate is $7 annually, a 30 percent reduction on the regular price of $10 for spayed or neutered dogs. Licenses for unaltered dogs remain $15 per year for all applicants.

License terms have also changed for the better. Licenses are now valid for one year from date of purchase, and no longer based on calendar year. This means no matter when the license is purchased, it will be valid for 12 months. Two and three-year licenses are also available.

“We are working hard to implement improvements that will make it easier for dog owners to license their pets,” said OAW Interim Director Christina Motoyoshi. “Reducing the cost for seniors who own a spayed or neutered pet and are often on fixed incomes, and ensuring licenses are valid for a minimum of 12 months are two customer friendly changes that we hope will result in an increase in licensed animals.” In August, OAW added three new locations to its list retail licensing partners statewide where licenses can be purchased in person.

Locations include:

• Yarn and Bone Pet Supply Store in Camden,129 N Main St., Suite 1, Camden, DE 19934, 302-423-8889
• Millville Pet Stop, 607 Atlantic Ave. Millville, DE 19967, 302-539-9382
• Fenwick Pet Stop, 1200 Coastal Highway, Fenwick Island, DE 19944, 302-581-0046
• Furbaby Boutique, 204 NE Front St. Milford, DE 19963, 302-725-5078
• New Castle County Government Center, 87 Reads Way, New Castle, DE 19720, 302-395-5555
• Brandywine Valley SPCA, 600 South St., New Castle, Delaware 19720, 302-516-1000
• New London Veterinary Hospital, 437 New London Road, Newark, DE 19711, 302-738-5000
• Delaware Humane Association, 701 A St., Wilmington, DE 19801, 302-571-0111

Residents may also purchase dog licenses online at www.petdata.com/delaware or through the mail by calling 1-877-730-6347 for an application.
The OAW reminds dog owners that dog licenses are required by state law for all dogs 6 months of age or older. Proof of current rabies vaccination is required to obtain a license. Rabies vaccinations are mandatory for dogs, cats and ferrets 6 months of age and older. Those who fail to license their dogs face fines of $50 or more.

“There are still many pet owners who don’t know that licensing is required for dogs,” Motoyoshi said. “We are working hard to increase awareness while making the process as easy as possible for them.”
Delaware Animal Services (DAS) Chief Mark Tobin said there are several benefits to licensing dogs.

“Licensing your dog ensures that if they become lost and are picked up by our officers, they will immediately be brought home,” Tobin said. “It is also much easier and cheaper than paying fines if you’re caught with an unlicensed dog.”

According to the OAW, licensing lets people know your dog has been vaccinated against rabies. The license fees support the efforts of DAS, the OAW enforcement unit, which works to reunite lost animals with their owners, ensures care and placement of stray animals, and enhances public safety.

A person who is deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind or speech-disabled can call the DPH phone number above by using TTY services. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-232-5460 to type your conversation to a relay operator, who reads your conversation to a hearing person at DPH. The relay operator types the hearing person’s spoken words back to the TTY user. To learn more about TTY availability in Delaware, visit http://delawarerelay.com.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. DPH, a division of DHSS, urges Delawareans to make healthier choices with the 5-2-1 Almost None campaign: eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day, have no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time each day (includes TV, computer, gaming), get 1 or more hours of physical activity each day, and drink almost no sugary beverages.

DOVER – Farmers and pet owners should take immediate precautions to protect their animals with Hurricane Sandy expected to arrive near Delaware over the weekend, the state’s agricultural and animal welfare officials are urging.

“Preparing and acting early can save the lives of your animals,” said Delaware State Veterinarian Dr. Heather Hirst, who heads the Delaware Department of Agriculture’s Poultry and Animal Health Section. “People who own animals should not wait until the last minute to get ready for a storm.”

The Department’s Delaware Animal Response Program works with state emergency officials and animal welfare organizations to assist animal owners with preparation, sheltering in place and evacuation.

“Owners have a responsibility to care for all of their animals, and should be taking steps now to make sure they are safe,” said Deputy State Veterinarian Dr. Gina Jensen.

If evacuations are ordered, please have several evacuation route options planned. Delaware shelters which welcome small pets will be designated as pet-friendly shelters, and that information will be provided as shelters become available. Ultimately, owners are responsible for the care of their animals. If evacuated to a pet-friendly shelter, please be prepared to provide any ongoing medications, such as insulin, and also provide a photo ID of your pet.

Hirst said farmers and livestock owners should especially plan in advance by examining their land and structures. “A storm presents multiple threats to animals – high winds could collapse buildings, power could go out, or low land could flood,” she said. “Think about where you could move animals in case of flooding and evaluate your outbuildings. Livestock owners should make sure generators are running properly and have fuel.”

The Department of Agriculture recommends that animal owners take the following precautions:

Livestock and small flock owners

• Check and secure all buildings and enclosures. Repair or secure loose boards, doors, window covers, metal sheeting, wire and equipment that could blow around in high winds.
• Provide water and food. Make sure your animals have alternate water sources in case power is lost and pumps and automatic waterers are not working. Have enough food and water on hand for seven days. Move feed to higher ground to prevent mold contamination from flooding.
• Mark animals. Identifiers for returning lost animals could include ear tags with farm name and phone numbers, brands, paint markings on hooves or coats, or clipped initials in hair coats. Leg bands can be used for back yard poultry.
• Stock up on supplies. Make sure you have basic veterinary supplies on hand and that your livestock are current on vaccinations.
• Study evacuation options. If you decide to evacuate your livestock, determine several locations that the animals could be taken and map out several routes to each location. Make arrangements in advance with owners to accept your animals, and be sure to contact them before taking the animals there. Options could include private stables, race tracks, fairgrounds, equestrian centers, private farms and humane societies. It is best to evacuate at the first recommendation to do so.
• Choose indoor sheltering or outdoor enclosed areas. If you decide to confine or shelter indoors, consider the structure strength and how it will hold up during high winds and torrential rain. If you give your animals the option of moving outside of their barn during the storm, survey your property to find the best location, do not let animals become trapped in low-lying pens, give them enough space to move around to avoid blowing debris and make sure the areas are clear of overhead power lines or poles.

Poultry

The Delmarva Poultry Industry, Inc., recommends that commercial poultry growers take steps that include the following:

• Check your back-up generator. Make sure you have fuel for several days, and that automatic starting systems are ready to go.
• Check propane gas. Make sure you have enough gas, and arrange an early delivery if necessary.
• Check feed inventory. Arrange for an early delivery if necessary.
• Have a back-up communications plan. Make sure cell phones are fully charged in case land-line telephone service is lost.
• Think long-term. Be prepared to keep birds for longer than normal if processing plants are unable to operate. Make plans for larger-than-normal carcass disposal if necessary.
• Check with your poultry company or flock supervisor regularly during any emergency situation.

Pets

• Make a disaster kit. Just like you have a kit for your family, your pets should have waterproof kits as well. Include medical records, vaccination history and medications, current photographs, veterinarian contact information, documentation of any behavior problems, alternate contact information, first-aid kit, leashes, collars, harnesses or muzzles with identification tags, a pet carrier, food and water bowls, litter pans, toys, blankets and food and water for at least seven days, with a can opener.
• Update vaccinations. Make sure your pet is up-to-date before a storm event occurs.
• Have an evacuation plan. Designated Delaware emergency shelters now offer housing for pets at or near human shelters. You should bring your pet disaster kit along, including food and water, and are encouraged to visit regularly and oversee day-to-day care for their pets. Owners should also have a list of other locations where they can evacuate with their pets, such as relatives, pet shelters or pet-friendly motels or hotels. Determine several routes to your local shelters before you leave.

Key tips are also available at http://dda.delaware.gov/storm_preparedness.shtml.

Contact:
Dan Shortridge
Chief of Community Relations
Delaware Department of Agriculture
302-698-4520