The Madison County Health Department has released its schedule of rabies vaccination clinics for 2016. The first clinic will be held March 23 at the Village of Madison Fire Department located at 7352 Route 20 from 5:00-7:00pm. 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 current with their rabies vaccinations are in violation of public health law, and subject to a fine of up to $200 for each offense.
Rabies continues to be a problem in New York State. Many exposures occur from contact with a pet that has fought with a rabid animal. The best protection against rabies for both your pet and your family members is to keep your pet’s rabies vaccinations current.
Vaccinated animals that come in contact with a wild animal can receive a rabies booster within five days of exposure to be protected from the rabies virus. 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 per current public health law. Avoid this decision by ensuring your dog, cat or ferret is up to date with its rabies vaccinations.
If you are bitten, scratched, or have contact with any animal you believe to be rabid, immediately wash the wound, seek medical attention if needed, and promptly report the incident to the Madison County Health Department at 366-2526.
For the complete list of 2016 rabies vaccination clinics, call the Madison County Health Department at 366-2526 or go to healthymadisoncounty.org.