PUBLIC HEALTH
PRESS RELEASE
PET OWNERS ADVISED OF
WIDESPREAD RABIES RISK IN HERKIMER COUNTY and DATES OF RABIES CLINICS FOR 2009
The increasing incidence of animal
rabies and risk to humans in Herkimer County has heightened the importance of
animal vaccination for rabies. An
exposure to rabies can be fatal for a human or a pet, and vaccination of pets
and other animals represents the best preventive measure available.
Starting on March 19th, 2009
Herkimer County Public Health will be providing ELEVEN FREE RABIES
CLINICS (donations are greatly appreciated!). The first clinic is Thursday, March 19th,
2009 from 6 to 7:30 PM at East Herkimer Fire House. The second clinic is Thursday, March 26th,
2009, from 6 to 7:30 PM at Norway Community Center. Click here for the complete schedule.
During 2008, Herkimer County Public
Health diagnosed rabies in skunks, fox, raccoons, cats, and a bull. These fatal
cases were diagnosed throughout Herkimer
County in 2008, and many
humans needed treatment for possible infection.
Human
rabies infection is usually fatal, so extreme caution and care is necessary for
possible bite victims. If you are bitten, scratched or have contact with any animal
that might be rabid, immediately wash the wound with water and soap, and seek
emergency medical attention at any hour of the day or night. Be certain that
the medical provider reports the incident to Herkimer County Public Health at
867-1176.
Strict laws of New York State hold owners responsible for
keeping dogs, cats and ferrets up-to-date in their rabies vaccination, and
assign them responsibility for confinement of any unvaccinated pet at the
owner’s expense. Animals kept or fed by a homeowner are the responsibility of
the homeowner. Residents must check and be sure that all their animals are
up-to-date with their rabies vaccinations.
Dogs, cats and ferrets 3 months or older must be
vaccinated, even if they stay indoors.
Every dog and cat needs two rabies vaccinations one year apart, and then
every three years needs revaccination. A certificate of vaccination allows
licensure of a pet.
All Herkimer
County residents should
be very careful around any wild animals, but also stray animals, including
stray domestic animals such as dogs and cats. Bats remain an important rabies
carrier and should be avoided. Parents must protect their children from any
contact with wild animals or bats. Do not handle pets with bare hands (USE
THICK GLOVES) if the pets have had contact with a possible rabid animal, and
seek veterinary examination for the pet.
Herkimer County Public Health is available for
assistance, advice, and testing of animals. Please call 315-867-1176 AT
ALL HOURS. Regular hours are 8AM
to 4PM on weekdays.
The dates of subsequent Rabies clinics are East Herkimer March 19th , Norway
March 26th, Ohio April 23rd, Dolgeville May 14th,
Frankfort June 11th, East Herkimer August 6th, Frankfort
September 10th, Old Forge September 24th, Cedarville
October 1st, Dolgeville October 22nd, and East Herkimer November
7th. Please call 315-867-1176
to confirm date and location of clinics.
