One Medicine approach to rabies in a dog in 2015 in Harris County, Texas

For the first time in more than 35 years, rabies in a dog was identified in Harris County (HC), Texas in January 2015. Although initial direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) testing was inconclusive for rabies, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed by PCR that the dog was positive for the south-central skunk virus variant (SCSK) of rabies. A coordinated public health response followed which involved two neighboring local health departments, Harris County Public Health and Environmental Services (HCPHES), and Houston Department of Health and Human Services Department (HDHHS), which together comprise a combined jurisdiction of over four million people.

General public messaging included several elements: 1) Press releases to six local media networks, three social media networks, numerous area businesses, daycare centers, assisted living facilities, governmental buildings, and county animal shelter partners; 2) Distribution of a ‘rapid rabies response’ flyer to over 1200 residents; and 3) Distribution of a letter to parents at four schools in the area. 4) HCPHES also placed animal traps and was on active patrol for stray dogs.

Additionally, healthcare community responses included: 5) E-mails to 663 veterinarians and 569 medical providers via electronic Health Alert Network (HAN) and Veterinary Health Alert Network (VHAN) advisories; 6) Providing educational materials to fifteen veterinary clinics near the residential area; and 7) Reviewing clinical records for bite cases in seventeen nearby ERs and Urgent Care Centers. The HCPHES and HDHHS epidemiology programs followed up on potential exposures for rabies post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) in twelve humans and one animal.