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A MINUTE OF HEALTH WITH CDC
Preventing Rabies
April 13, 2007

This program is presented by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
CDC – safer, healthier people.

If you have a dog or cat you probably know that a rabies shot is required for your
pet. This is a very important part of preventing the spread of rabies. More than
three hundred million dollars is spent each year to prevent rabies. And for good
reason — rabies is fatal. Rabies is not very common in humans in the United
States, but tens of thousands of people die from it in developing countries.

Rabies is spread by the bite of an infected animal. The virus is most common in
wild animals, but globally, most human cases are still caused by dog bites. If you
have a dog, cat, or ferret, be sure their vaccinations are up-to-date and keep
them away from wild animals.

Thank you for joining us on A Minute of Health with CDC.

To access the most accurate and relevant health information that affects you,
your family and your community, please visit www.cdc.gov.