The annual rabies clinic, co-sponsored by the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Office in Fannin County and the Ocoee Animal Hospital, in association with the Fannin County Public Health Department, is set for Saturday, May 4, 2013, rain or shine. Rabies is a virus that attacks the central nervous system of all mammals, even humans. It is passed from infected animals to clean ones through saliva or blood. The exchange of blood and saliva usually occurs when one animal bites another animal. Once an animal is infected there is no way to cure the animal, and it could pass rabies to other animals or people. As has been reported in the media, there have been cases of rabies confirmed in and around Fannin County. This makes it even more important to protect our animals and children. Dogs and cats can be protected against this dreadful disease with a shot or inoculation. Shots must be given by a veterinarian and they can be given at an office or at the annual rabies clinic.

This annual event provides a unique opportunity for area residents to have both dogs and cats vaccinated for protection against rabies and also provide yearly boosters for distemper-parvo for dogs and distemper-leukemia for cats at a reduced rate. The cost of vaccines will be announced at a later date.

There will be two different teams again this year that will travel around the county to give the vaccinations. Team A will have three stops: Morganton Baptist Church 7:45 – 9:45 am; VanZandt’s Store in Dial 10:45 – 11:30 am; and Blue Ridge Farmers Market 12:00 – 1:30 pm. Team B will have one stop: West Fannin Elementary School 8:00 – 11:30 am.

Remember, rabies is deadly and in the area. Protect our pets and children from this deadly disease. For more information call the Ocoee Animal Hospital at 706-632-7387 or the Fannin County Extension Office at 706-632-3061.