Jefferson County Health Department Reports Cat Tests Positive for Rabies

On June 8, 2022, Jefferson County Health Department (JCHD) was notified by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) state lab that the presence of rabies was found in a cat that was initially from Jefferson County. The cat was collected from another county in Missouri after exhibiting symptoms and investigation concluded they tested positive for a rabies variant associated with skunks. There are no other positive cases associated with this animal at this time.

 

This is the first animal in 2022 to test positive for rabies. Last year, Jefferson County had two bats test positive for rabies as well. In the United States, rabies is mostly found in wild animals like bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes. Although relatively uncommon, rabies is always considered to be present or endemic within certain types of animals in Missouri.

 

Rabies is a fatal but preventable viral disease. It can spread to people and pets if they are bitten or scratched by a rabid animal. Rabies can be prevented by vaccinating pets, staying away from wildlife, and seeking medical care after potential exposures before symptoms start. There is no cure for rabies. Timely administration of rabies post-exposure vaccinations can protect those that may have been exposed to the virus. For more information on rabies, visit the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/index.html.

Rabies Prevention

The health department does not regularly collect animals for rabies testing. Only animals that have had contact, or significant potential for contact, with humans may be submitted for testing. If an animal is found, use precaution to dispose of it in a way to avoid all exposure and apply the necessary protective equipment.

 

Jefferson County Health Department Receives FDA Grant to Implement Retail Food Grading System

Jefferson County Health Department received grant funding through the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the amount of $159,130 to be utilized February 1, 2022, through December 31, 2024. Funding will be used to implement a retail food grading system and to plan and further develop a retail food program in Jefferson County.

Part of the grant funding will be utilized to implement a retail food grading system in Jefferson County which will provide ‘grades’ to food service establishments based on adherence to Jefferson County Food Code. JCHD Environmental team will reference the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) Model Practices Program which contains information on a grading implementation guide, policies and procedures, and best practices for post-implementation.

Funding will also support the health department’s focus on the planning and further development of its retail food program based on the nine FDA Retail Program Standards. These nine standards include:

  • Regulatory Foundation

  • Trained Regulatory Staff

  • Inspection Program based on Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) Principles

  • Uniform Inspection Program

  • Foodborne Illness and Food Defense Preparedness and Response

  • Compliance and Enforcement

  • Industry and Community Relations

  • Program Support and Resources

  • Program Assessment

 

“We are grateful for this grant funding from the FDA to support and improve our food service establishments here in Jefferson County,” states Jefferson County Health Department Environmental Supervisor, Nicole Thornton. “We will be involving residents of Jefferson County to receive feedback during the design and implementation process.”