Immediate Release
October 9, 2009
Batavia, Ohio. Does your dog or cat need a rabies shot? The Clermont County General Health District, in partnership with Family Animal Hospital of Batavia, will hold a low cost rabies vaccination clinic on Saturday, October 24, from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. at the Live Oaks Campus, located at 5956 Buckwheat Road in Milford. All dogs must be on a leash; all cats must be contained in a carrier.
The shots cost $5 and are payable in cash only. A three year vaccination will be given to animals, if the owner can provide current vaccination status; all others will receive a one year vaccine. A rabies tag is not sufficient proof to obtain a three year vaccination.
According to the Ohio Department of Health (ODH), rabies is a preventable viral disease that causes acute encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). The virus exists in the saliva of mammals and is usually transmitted from animal to animal or from animal to human by biting. The virus can also be spread by licking, when infected saliva makes contact with open cuts or wounds, the mouth, eyes and nose. If left untreated in humans and animals, rabies is fatal.
Each year in Clermont County, more than 300 potential rabies exposures are reported to the General Health District. Thus far in 2009, the ODH reports one confirmed rabies case in the county, involving a bat. Bats, raccoons, and skunks are animals most often found to have rabies in Ohio. Last year across the state, 55 bats tested positive. Because household pets often come in contact with wild animals, some of them infected with the rabies virus, they should be protected with a vaccination for rabies.
For additional information about the rabies vaccination clinic, call the Clermont County General Health District at (513) 732-7499.
Pictured above: Autumn (cat) and Bonnie (dog) are among the many wonderful dogs and cats currently available for adoption at the Clermont County Animal Shelter. Call (513) 732-8854 for information.
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For additional information about this or other county news, contact Clermont County Communications Director Kathryn Lehr at (513) 732-7597 or by e-mail, klehr@co.clermont.oh.us.