Little brown bats are active during this time of year and may be carriers of rabies. The Oswego County Health Department advises people to capture a bat anytime one may have come in contact with a person or pet.
PALERMO – The Oswego County Health Department will hold its next rabies clinic Sept. 13, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Palermo Town Highway Garage, 1572 County Route 45.
The last rabies clinic of 2017 will be Nov. 1, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the County Highway Garage, 31 Schaad Drive, Scriba.
Oswego County Director of Public Health Jiancheng Huang reminds residents that all dogs, cats, and ferrets, including pets that remain indoors, must be vaccinated against rabies.
Huang said several county residents have required post-exposure rabies treatments because of possible exposure to bats this summer.
Bats are typically more active this time of year, and it’s critically important that people try to capture any bats that may have come in contact with a person or pet.
The state Department of Health has developed a short video on how to safely capture a bat indoors.
To view the video, go to “Catch the Bat!” or look for the link at www.oswegocounty.com.
To report a possible exposure, call the Oswego County Health Department weekdays at 315-349-3564.
In an emergency during evenings, weekends, or holidays, call the health department’s answering service at 315-341-0086.
Dogs, cats and ferrets should receive their first rabies vaccine at age three months.
Ferrets must be vaccinated annually.
Dogs and cats require a second vaccination within one year of the first, and every three years thereafter.
In order for pets to receive the 3-year booster shot, owners need to show that the pet was previously vaccinated.
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.
To reduce the risk of rabies in animals and humans, people should take the following steps:
– Make sure that dogs, cats and ferrets have current rabies vaccines. The rabies vaccination is the most effective way of protecting pets and humans from rabies.
– 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 or facebook.com/Oswegocountyhealth/
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