Veterinary Public Health and
Rabies Control Program
7601 E. Imperial Hwy.
Bldg. 700 Suite 94A
Downey, CA 90242
Tel: (562) 401-7088
Fax: (562) 401-7112 vet@ph.lacounty.gov
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ALERT
INFLUENZA A H1N1: INTERIM RECOMMENDATIONS FOR LOS
ANGELES COUNTY VETERINARIANS. (Posted 5/5/09) A new variant of
the influenza A (H1N1) virus, previously called swine
flu, has been detected in humans in Los Angeles County,
other parts of California, and in a number of other
states and countries. We expect this type of flu will
continue to spread. In the U.S., those with this virus
have had only mild or moderate symptoms. Click
here to read more.
West Nile Virus in Local Birds
Veterinary Public Health works with the California
Department of Public Health and local mosquito control
agencies in conducting West Nile Virus surveillance in
Los Angeles County. See
the most recent mapof locations where
WNV-positive dead birds were found
(Updated 7/1/09).
To report dead birds or dead tree squirrels for WNV
testing, click
here.
Rabies in L.A. County
The first rabid animal diagnosed in Los Angeles County occurred in 1898 when an
Englishman told the Health Officer his dog, which was uncontrollable, might have
rabies. Confirmatory tests were run in Chicago. The following year, a man who was
bitten on his nose by his rabid cocker spaniel became the first known human rabies
death in the County.
In June of 1909, a police officer shot a collie dog with rabies. Within a month,
the police officer shot three more suspected rabid dogs found within five blocks of
the original dog. That year, another muzzling ordinance was passed the same month
by the board of health...more
Rabies-Positive Brain Sample
Rabies-positive brain sample. Photo is taken through a fluorescent microscope.
The brain sample from the rabid animal was prepared on glass slides, incubated with
fluorescent antibodies that attach to the virus, and then viewed through the
microscope. The rabies virus is seen as small fluorescent clusters throughout the
sample. Photo Courtesy Los Angeles County Public Health Laboratory, 2007.
