Defend against rabies

A recent incident in Oxford County of a rabid, free-roaming cat highlights the need for pet owners to take sensible precautions to prevent rabies, such as getting all pets vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and not letting them roam (“State vet: Cats most dangerous rabies carrier,” Oct. 20).

Although cats are a potential vector for transmission of rabies to humans, by keeping cats indoors and up to date with their rabies vaccinations, cat owners need not worry.

Bait drops to combat the spread of the disease in wild populations should continue and we hope to see their extension to coastal areas of Maine.

Municipal animal control programs are often the front line of defense when it comes to companion animals and rabies prevention.

Municipalities in Maine are encouraged to fund a comprehensive animal control program and to monitor cat populations within their jurisdictions.

Trap-neuter-return programs for free-roaming cats should also be embraced as a preventive measure for rabies spread, as trapped cats are vaccinated against the disease and aggressive spay/neuter efforts will keep the free-roaming cat population from growing.

Katie Lisnik,

Maine state director

The Humane Society

of the United States