Rabies Clinic to be Held Saturday May 7, 2016

Article submitted by Edward Ayers, County Extension Coordinator

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.

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 7, 2016, rain or shine. 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.

Mark your calendar for May 7. Times and locations will be announced at a later date.

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.