29 Sep 2008
SIMCOE COUNTY – Local veterinarians are again offering low-cost rabies clinics to vaccinate against rabies for dogs and cats over 3 months old.
The low-cost rabies clinics run from the last week in September to November 1, offering residents a convenient, inexpensive means of getting their pets vaccinated against the deadly disease. This year 22 veterinary offices have agreed to offer the low-cost service to pet owners.
If you have not already had your dog or cat vaccinated during a routine veterinary visit, then take advantage of the low-cost rabies clinics in your area and get your dog or cat vaccinated.
It is mandatory for all dogs and cats to be vaccinated for protection against rabies in Simcoe Muskoka. Pet owners who fail to comply risk receiving a fine.
The rabies clinics are just one important part of a broader program to prevent rabies from occurring in Simcoe and Muskoka. Thanks to vaccination of pets, baiting of wild raccoons and foxes and public awareness, Ontario now has a lower incidence of rabies, compared to other areas in North America.
While health unit staff investigated more than 1,100 animal bite incidents in the region in 2007, only seven wild animals tested positive for rabies.
Last year more than 4,400 dogs and cats were vaccinated against rabies through the clinics.
As well as the mandatory rabies vaccination you can help prevent the spread of rabies by preventing your pets from roaming free and by keeping them indoors at night. Remind your family to stay away from unfamiliar dogs and cats as well as all wildlife, including bats. If you come in contact with a bat, or find one in a room, alive or dead, where you have been sleeping, have the bat tested for rabies.
If you have been bitten by an animal, immediately wash the wound well with soap and water and see your health care provider or go to the hospital. All animal bites must be reported to the health unit. If your pet has come into contact with a suspected rabid animal immediately report the incident to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
For more information on clinic times and dates visit the health unit website at www.simcoemuskokahealth.org or call Your Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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