By Portia Williams
GREENUP, KY. — The Greenup County Health Dept. (GCHD) will be hosting a Rabies Clinic on Saturday, Nov. 21, from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. at the Health Department. According to GCHD officials, the purpose of the clinic is to vaccinate more pets against the deadly disease.
Health officials at GCHD say Kentucky law requires all cats, dogs, and ferrets over the age of four months to be vaccinated for rabies. As proof of vaccination, a rabies tag and certificate will be issued on site.
Cassie Mace, a Health Educator at GCHD, said the rabies disease has the propensity to devastate the local community.
“Rabies is a disease that could have catastrophic consequences in our community. By offering a lower cost option, many cats and dogs will be protected from this fatal disease,” Mace said.
Rabies vaccine will be available for dogs and cats over four months old. The cost for one year vaccines is $5 and a three-year booster is $15. Dogs can receive a distemper vaccine for $25. Additionally, toe nail clipping will also be offered for $10 for a dog and $15 for cats. The clinic is open to the public and participants do not have to be a resident of Greenup County.
According to GCHD, although the majority of rabies cases occur in wildlife, most humans are exposed to the virus as a result of an encounter with an infected domestic animal. Keeping pets, including cats and dogs, up-to-date on vaccinations, is a primary means of helping to prevent rabies in humans and domestic animals.
Greenup County Health Department has been hosting these clinics for over ten years with more than 300 participating each year. There are typically two rabies clinics each year. One in the spring and one in the fall just in case pet owners cannot make it in the spring.
Maintaining current vaccinations ensures disease-free pets, according to Mace.
“For many people, pets are cherished and loved members of the family,” she said. “Speaking with a veterinarian about keeping current with vaccination not only helps to make sure they are free from disease, but also reduces the risk of exposure for all family members.”
For additional information on the rabies clinic, please call the Greenup County Health Department at 606-473-9838.
Reach Portia Williams at 740-353-3101, ext. 1929, or on Twitter @PortiaWillPDT.
