FEATURE: Wake Observes World Rabies Day, Hosts Vaccination Clinics

9/18/2009

Rabies is a common disease that affects all mammals – including humans. Rabies can be prevented by vaccination. As part of World Rabies Day on Monday, September 28, 2009, the Wake County Animal Care, Control and Adoption Center is working with the Town of Holly Springs and the Wake County Veterinary Medical Association to coordinate two rabies clinics.

Clinics will be held in Knightdale and Holly Springs, and are open to all Wake County residents. The cost for each vaccination is $5 per cat, dog or ferret. Microchipping, for identification, will be also be offered for $10 per animal.

Saturday, September 19
9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Petco in Knightdale
1014 Shoppes At Midway Drive
Knightdale, NC

Saturday, September 26
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Dog Days at the Park
Womble Park
Holly Springs, NC

"Rabies is preventable. We can do this by vaccinating pets and educating children about the danger of unfamiliar animals," said Wake County Community Health Director Sue Lynn Ledford.

First-time rabies shots will be offered at each clinic. Booster shots will be given for animals that have previously received a rabies vaccination. First-time rabies vaccinations are good for one year. Booster shots are good for three years. All vaccinations will be administered by licensed veterinarians.

"Not only is vaccination the best way to stop the spread of disease, but it is also the law," said Ledford. "Failure to comply is a fineable offense. So, we really do encourage people to take advantage of these low-cost clinics."

Pet owners need to bring a copy of their pet’s previous vaccination records to the clinics. Written proof must be provided in order to receive a 3-year booster. Owners are also asked to have their pet under restraint during this event (i.e., on a leash, in a carrier).

The mission of World Rabies Day is to raise awareness about the impact of human and animal rabies, how easy it is to prevent it, and how to eliminate the main global sources of rabies. The most important global source of rabies in humans is from uncontrolled rabies in dogs. Children are often at greatest risk because they are more likely to be severely bitten by dogs.

For information on teaching children about dog bite prevention call 919-250-4555. A coloring book is also available for download here.

For more information on rabies, including additional clinics, or the Wake County Animal Care, Control and Adoption Center, visit www.wakegov.com/pets or call 919-212-PETS (7387).

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