Wake County Announces Eighth Annual Dog Walk and World Rabies Day

9/3/2007

Rabies is a common disease that affects all mammals - including humans. Rabies can be prevented by vaccination.  As part of World Rabies Day on Saturday, September 8, 2007, Wake County Animal Care, Control and Adoption Center is working with Garner Animal Control, local veterinarians and the NCSU vet school to coordinate ten rabies clinics across the county. This includes the County's annual Dog Walk from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Historic Oak View County Park located at 4028 Carya Drive in Raleigh.

“World Rabies Day is giving us a chance to raise citizen awareness about rabies and to offer more clinics for affordable vaccinations” said Wake County Director of Animal Care, Control & Adoption Michael Williams.

Two animals tested positive for rabies in Wake County in August. On August 6, three dogs in Garner came in contact with a raccoon that tested positive for rabies. The dogs had been vaccinated and only required booster shots. On August 23, two residents received post-exposure rabies vaccinations after coming in contact with a bat that tested positive for the disease.

Rabies is spread through the saliva or nervous tissue of an infected animal—usually through a bite. If an exposed person or animal does not get treatment quickly, they may become infected. If left untreated, rabies can be fatal.

In North Carolina, rabies is most common in raccoons, skunks, and foxes. It has also been found in dogs, cats, horses, cattle, bats, and other animals. To protect people and pets, vaccination of dogs and cats is required by law in North Carolina.

The County's Dog Walk will include a rabies and microchip clinic ($5.00 and $10.00 respectively), exhibits, dogs for adoption and demonstrations.

World Rabies Day partners will be offering rabies vaccinations for $5.00 per animal. Click here for a full list of clinic locations.

Residents are asked to bring their pet’s rabies certificate (not required) and a leash or a pet carrier for each animal they intend to have vaccinated at the clinics. Additional information about World Rabies Day can be viewed at www.wakegov.com/pets/events/rabiesday.htm or call 212-PETS (7387). Learn more about World Rabies Day at www.worldrabiesday.org.

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