(Madison County, NY – May 2015) The Madison County Health Department has announced its schedule of rabies vaccination clinics for 2015. Vaccinations are offered free to Madison County residents. Voluntary donations are appreciated to help defray clinic costs.
Proof of previous vaccination is required to qualify for a three-year certificate. All animals must be at least 3 months of age and properly restrained using a leash and collar, harness, cage or pet carrier.
Public health law requires all dogs, cats and ferrets to be vaccinated by 4 months of age. A second vaccination must be given within one year of the first, and pets must be actively immunized against rabies thereafter. Owners of any dog, cat or ferret not vaccinated are in violation of public health law, subject to a fine of up to $200 for each offense.
Rabies continues to be a problem in New York State. Of the more than 2,000 New Yorkers treated for exposure to rabies each year, most are exposed by contact with a pet that has fought with a rabid animal.
Vaccinated animals that come in contact with wild animals can be given booster vaccinations, but these shots must be administered within five days of exposure.
Pet owners, who have an unvaccinated pet that comes in contact with a rabid or suspected rabid animal, must choose to either euthanize the pet or place the unvaccinated pet into strict quarantine for six months at the owner’s expense. Avoid this decision by ensuring your dog, cat or ferret is up to date with its rabies vaccinations.
What if you encounter an animal that may be rabid?
If you are bitten, scratched, or have contact with an animal you believe to be rabid, immediately wash
the wound, seek medical attention and report the incident to the Madison County Health Department at 366-2361.
For the complete list of 2015 rabies vaccination clinics, call the Madison County Health Department at 366-2526 or go to healthymadisoncounty.org
List of Madison County Department of Health 2015 Rabies Clinics:
Date Location Time
Wednesday, June 3 MORRISVILLE Agricultural Center – Eaton St. 5:00 PM-7:00 PM
Tuesday, June 23 WAMPSVILLE Highway Garage – N. Court St. 5:00 PM-7:00 PM
Tuesday, July 7 BROOKFIELD Madison Cty. Fairgrounds 5:00 PM-7:00 PM
Tuesday, July 28 GEORGETOWN Highway Garage – Rt. 26 5:00 PM-7:00 PM
Wednesday, August 19 NEW WOODSTOCK Fire House – Mill St. 5:00 PM-7:00 PM
Saturday, September 19 WAMPSVILLE Highway Garage – N. Court St. 9:00 AM-NOON
Wednesday, October 7 BRIDGEPORT STATION #1 Fire House – Rt. 31 5:00 PM-7:00 PM
Saturday, December 5 ONEIDA VETS FIELD – North Main St. 9:00 AM-11:30 AM