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The Oswego County Health Department will hold eight rabies clinics at locations around Oswego County this year. All clinics will be held on Wednesday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m. The first clinic will be Wednesday, March 26, at the County Highway Garage, 31 Schaad Drive, Scriba.
"The rabies virus continues to be active across Oswego County," said Jiancheng Huang, Oswego County Public Health Director. "Although the virus can infect any mammal, including dogs, cats, livestock, wildlife, and humans, the vast majority of rabies cases reported each year occur with wild animals such as raccoons, skunks, bats and foxes. Immunizing pets is an effective way to reduce the risk of human exposures to rabies."
New York State law requires that all cats, dogs, and pet ferrets be vaccinated against rabies. The first rabies vaccine should be given at three months of age. A second vaccination is required 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, and should bring their pet's last rabies vaccination certificate to the clinic.
The health department suggests a $5 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 pet ferrets should be in a cage.
Clinics will be held at these locations during the spring, summer and fall:
Any time a person or pet comes in physical contact with a bat or wild animal, especially a sick or suspicious-acting animal, the incident should be immediately reported to the County Health Department. To report a possible exposure, or for more information about rabies, call the Health Department weekdays at 349-3564 or 1-800-596-3200, ext. 3564. In an emergency during evenings, weekends, or holidays, call the health department's answering service at 341-0086.0, ext. 3547.
