The Arizona Department of Health Service (ADHS) and Yavapai County public health officials would like to provide race participants with some educational information on leptospirosis and rabies, which has recently been documented in Yavapai County.  Some simple prevention steps can be taken to protect yourself.

Rabies:
Three foxes with rabies have been reported so far in 2009 in Yavapai County.  Occasional rabies cases have also has been documented in bobcats and coyotes.  To protect yourself, take these precautions:
o	For those camping the night before or after, sleeping in a tent, instead of the directly on the ground.  
o	Keep any pets under immediate supervision, preferably on a leash.
o	Make sure that your pets are currently vaccinated for rabies by a veterinarian and licensed with your local animal control agency.
For more information on rabies, please visit the ADHS webpage: http://www.azdhs.gov/phs/oids/vector/rabies , or call ADHS at 602-364-4562.

Leptospirosis:
Two domestic dogs contracted leptospirosis in the Cottonwood area in late 2008, most likely from direct contact with and consumption of water from the Verde River or Oak Creek, near the confluence of the two.  No human cases have been reported.  This is a serious bacterial disease which is present in many riparian areas of the U.S. Though rare, humans can contract leptospirosis through contact with water, food, or soil containing urine from infected animals.  The already low risk of exposure to leptospirosis and other bacteria in the Verde River can be minimized by:
o	Proper filtering/boiling of water from the river is always advised prior to consumption.
o	Diving into the river is not recommended.  
o	Avoid splashing of water into mucous membranes (eyes, nose, and mouth). 
o	Ensure any fresh wounds, cuts or scrapes are covered with water proof bandages before entering the Verde River. 
o	If bringing pets along while camping along the Verde River, discuss vaccinating your pet for leptospirosis with your veterinarian (at least two weeks prior to your trip).

For more information about leptospirosis, please visit the CDC webpage: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/leptospirosis_g.htm , or call Yavapai County public health officials or ADHS at 602-364-4562.  

Good luck in the race, be safe, and have fun!


Elisabeth Lawaczeck, DVM
State Public Health Veterinarian
Office of Infectious Disease Services
Arizona Department of Health Services
602-364-4562