CDC: Animal shelter workers should get rabies vaccine

The Centers for Disease Control is using a rabies case from Grand Forks to raise awareness of rabies vaccination.

Early last year a rabid dog was discovered at a Grand Forks animal shelter. As a result, 31 dogs were euthanized and 21 people needed rabies shots.

Dr. Jennifer Cope, a CDC officer based in North Dakota, wrote an article distributed this week by the organization. Cope said the incident highlights the unique risk faced by people who work at animal shelters.

"Animal shelter employees who come into contact with animals that could be potentially rabid ... should really consider being vaccinated prior to starting their duties," Cope said.

Cope said prevention is important because while rabies is rare, it is nearly always fatal in humans. She said people often don't get the rabies vaccination because it's expensive and might not be covered by insurance.

Cope says the incident is also a reminder that all pets should have up to date vaccinations.