Around the world in 40 days but no Gallipoli

[coriander]

Absolutely. I have no idea what the uptake of Rabies vaccination is for humans in north America but I'm aware that the pet vaccination is high. Over the years speaking to veterinary students from north America they are all vaccinated for Rabies.

In North America, vets and students are in a much much higher risk category for catching rabies as they tend to deal with the pointy sharp end of unhappy animals a lot more.

I'm as careful as can be but get bitten about once a month, usually 3 seconds after the owner tells me the dog/cat doesn't bite (I'm VERY careful not to ask the classic Inspector Closeau question " does your dog bite?").

I always remember the story related by one of my professors at Uni (a co-author of the standard large animal medicine text book and revered by his students): whilst working in Saskatchewan, he took a cohort of students out on a farm call. In Canada in winter, cattle are often housed in barns and one component of their diet is (sugar) beet. "Choke" is a not uncommon problem characterised by a cow drooling saliva and moaning piteously. The cow was gagged (ie had a mouth gag inserted to keep the jaws open) and one by one the students were told to palpate the larynx to find the offending beet, without success. Most ended up with bleeding forearms covered in saliva as the sharp edges of the cow's molar teeth cut through their rubber gloves and skin. Finally, the Prof put HIS hand down the throat and came up empty. He stood back puzzled.

It was about then that the farmer said that a few of the cattle hadn't been the same since some crazy raccoon ran amok in the barn a few weeks previously....................

 

[Pushka]

I always tell the Vet that my (departed) cat scratches and bites. They reassure me they know how to deal with angry cats. Sure enough, she bites/scratches them and there is blood. I just shrug my shoulders.

 

[amaroo]

A very annoying consequence of the trip. Was at the travel doctor today to get malaria pills for our upcoming trip and were discussing rabies vaccination. Too late for this one but a definite for the next. Anyway I stupidly made some comment about a scare in Istanbul with a cat scratch and the next thing the Travel doctor was notifying ACT Health and I have to start treatment tomorrow. Apparently even 4 months after the incident they still want to do it. Kind of feel it isn't necessary - very very low risk, but been bulldozed into it......

What a bummer. TBH I wouldn't have thought much about the ramifications of a scratch ... will now!

 

[Flying mermaid]

What a bummer. TBH I wouldn't have thought much about the ramifications of a scratch ... will now!

I always thought it had to be a bite, but no - bite is worse of course.