Petowners may have two opportunities to get free rabies vaccinations, if a measure before county commissioners is approved Monday.
On the agenda is a request from Animal Protective Services via the sheriff’s office to host two free rabies clinics this spring. One would be held at the Gurganous Farm Store April 18, and the second at Brown’s Outdoor Supply in Delco at a later date.
During the last fiscal year, 400 pets were vaccinated at free clinics, Capt. Robert Creech said in a memo to the board of commissioners.
“Rabies is a public health concern,” he wrote. “Offering two free rabies clinics would broaden APS’s public outreach, enabling our agency to serve and engage a larger and more diverse segment of Columbus County.”
Columbus County Animal Protective Services offers on demand rabies vaccinations at the shelter for $10.
Rabies is spread through saliva from an infected animal, through bites and scratches. It can be prevented through vaccinations. State law requires all dogs, cats and ferrets over three months of age to be vaccinated, and proof of vaccination kept by the owner.
The disease affects the nervous system, and can causes listlessness, aggression, and atypical behavior. It is always fatal.
Unvaccinated animals exposed to rabies must be quarantined at a state approved facility for 180 days, at the expense of the owner.
