Final 2018 Low-Cost Rabies Clinics Scheduled

The Garrett County Health Department announces the third and final series of low-cost rabies clinics for 2018. The clinic to vaccinate dogs, cats, and ferrets will be held the week of September 17. Last year, Garrett County experienced four confirmed rabies cases and three so far this year. Area residents are encouraged to check the following schedule for exact times and locations of the clinics in their area.

• Grantsville Elementary School, Monday, September 17, 5-6 p.m.
• Swanton Community Building, Tuesday, September 18, 5-6 p.m.
• Crellin Elementary School, Wednesday, September 19, 5-6 p.m.
• Friendsville Elementary School, Thursday, September 20, 5-6 p.m.
• Kitzmiller Fire Hall, Friday, September 21, 5-6 p.m.
• Oakland, Garrett County Health Department, Saturday, September 22, 10 – 11 a.m.

The cost of the vaccination is $5 per animal at the clinics. Dogs must be on a leash and under the control of a responsible individual. Cats and ferrets must be in a cage or a tightly secured box with air holes. If a cage or carrier is not available, the cat must be in a pillowcase of a suitable cloth sack. Close contact with animals at the clinics increases the risk of bites or scratches. Please be prepared to restrain and control your animals to avoid a potential incident.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), rabies is a preventable viral disease of mammals transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. The rabies virus infects the central nervous system, ultimately causing disease in the brain and leading to death. Rabies in both humans and pets is preventable by following proper procedures and guidelines.

Wounds from animal bites require careful attention. If you receive a bit from a suspicious animal, wild or tame, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and get medical attention immediately. If possible, capture the animal so it can be observed or sent to a laboratory for rabies testing. Then contact your doctor and county health department right away.

If your pet has been in a fight with a wild animal, special precautions are necessary. Wear gloves to handle your pet and isolate it from other animals and people. Contact the Garrett County Health Department for more information on what to do. You may be instructed to bring your pet to your local veterinarian for a rabies booster shot if it is currently vaccinated.

Unvaccinated dogs and cats exposed to rabid animals face the possibility of being euthanized to protect their owners and the general public. The grief that can come from losing a family pet can be avoided by keeping vaccinations current.

To protect your pets and family, keep pets’ rabies vaccinations up-to-date. Although Maryland law requires dogs, cats, and ferrets over four months of age to be vaccinated against rabies; they may be adequately vaccinated at three months of age. Dogs and cats need to be revaccinated every three years. Puppies and kittens, vaccinated between the ages of three and twelve months, and dogs and cats receiving their first vaccination, must be revaccinated 12 months later.  Ferrets need to be revaccinated every year.

Failure to vaccinate pets against rabies in Maryland is a violation of the Annotated Code of MD Health General Article 18, Section 318 and may be punishable by a fine of up to $500 per animal.

For more information contact the Environmental Health division of the Garrett County Health Department at 301-334-7760 or 301-895-3111.

By Diane Lee, Public Information Officer, Garrett County Health Department