Health Department Sponsors Rabies Clinic Nov. 1 in Scriba

by Contributor | October 23, 2017 10:34 pm

SCRIBA – Pet owners can have their cats, dogs and ferrets immunized against rabies Nov. 1, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Oswego County Highway Garage, Schaad Drive, Scriba.

The clinic will be the last public rabies clinic sponsored by the Oswego County Health Department in 2017.

Oswego County Public Health Director Jiancheng Huang reminds residents that all dogs, cats, and ferrets, including pets that remain indoors, must be vaccinated against rabies.

Unvaccinated dogs, cats and ferrets that are exposed to rabies must be placed in quarantine for six months or be euthanized.

Huang said the health department has seen an increased number of wild animals test positive for rabies this year as compared to 2016.

“We encourage county residents to take the advantage of the last clinic of this year at the county highway garage in Scriba on Wednesday, Nov. 1,” he said.

Owners should bring their pet’s last rabies vaccination certificate with them to the clinic.

The health department suggests a $7 donation per animal to help cover the cost of the rabies clinics, but no one will be turned away.

Dogs should be leashed and cats and ferrets should be in a carrier.

Please leave sick pets at home.

Any time a person or pet comes in physical contact with a sick or suspicious-acting animal, the incident should be reported to the county health department as soon as possible.

A bite or scratch on the skin should be washed immediately with soap and water.

The health department’s staff is available around-the-clock to respond to incidents involving possible rabies exposure by calling 315-349-3564 on weekdays, or by calling the department’s answering service at 315-341-0086 evenings, weekends and holidays.

People can help prevent the spread of rabies by following these steps:

– Do not feed pets outdoors.
– Never try to feed a wild animal.
– Do not approach or touch unfamiliar animals.
– Avoid any animal with symptoms of rabies.
– Block any openings into the home that an animal may get through.
– Keep tamper-proof lids on outside garbage cans so animals are not attracted to your property.
– Teach children basic rules about protecting themselves from strange and unfamiliar animals.

For more information visit www.oswegocounty.com/health/rabies.pdf.

Source URL: https://oswegocountytoday.com/community/health-department-sponsors-rabies-clinic-nov-1-in-scriba/

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