Riverton Police Department shared the following announcement:
Sept 5, 2019
Animal Control Officer Becki Weber
Riverton Police Department
In my duties as the Animal Control Officer, I would like to give out this information to help keep our community pets and citizens healthy.
We have rodents, bats, and other animals in the State of Wyoming that have been tested positive for rabies, this has been an ongoing issue.
I send all bats that are found in the City of Riverton to the Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory to be tested for rabies. A rabies positive bat came back this week. To help prevent this from happening we need to be sure our pets are properly vaccinated for Rabies by a licensed Veterinarian. If a bat is found inside your home, please let the Riverton Police Department know, we will come and get it.
There is also a plague that has been in Wyoming for a long time in rodents. In Riverton over the last 2 weeks there has been three confirmed cases of the plague in family dogs.
Plague is an infectious disease of animals and humans caused by a bacterium named Yersinia Pestis. Fleas that become infected with the bacteria Yersinia Pestis can transmit the plague. Fleas become infected by feeding on rodents such as prairie dogs, squirrels, chipmunks, mice and dead animals an other mammals that are infected with the Yersinia Pestis. An individual or your family pet may become infected if bit by an infected flea.
You can protect your pets by using proper insect control, ask your local Veterinarian, which in turn protects you and your family. Be aware of where your pet is and what they are exposed to. Both you and your pet can be properly treated by seeing your Doctor and Veterinarian.
We all love our pets and they are a part of our way of life. Please keep them safe and healthy and keep them current on their registration and Rabies vaccinations.
With Questions please contact:
Wyoming State Vet Dr Jim Logan 857-4140
Riverton Animal Control Becki Weber 856-4891