Rabies discovered in Cayo

Another calamity, this one in the Cayo District, could have far reaching effects, particularly for pet owners. After three years of being free of the disease, it has been confirmed that rabies is back in Belize. The affirmation comes from a laboratory in Panama that a two-year old male dog from San Antonio, Cayo, was infected. Authorities are on full alert and are asking the public to have all dogs vaccinated and to report cases of bites from dogs or wild animals to any veterinary clinic, public health facility or BAHA. Canine rabies can be fatal to all mammals, including humans. While infected animals may show a radical change in behaviour, the only sure diagnosis of the disease comes from a laboratory test.