The Central Shenandoah Health District and local vets throughout our district are urging people to “Protect the Ones You Love. Vaccinate Your Pets.” This important message is the focus of this year’s Rabies Awareness Week, Sept. 28-Oct. 4.
“Vaccinating companion animals, such as dogs and cats, against rabies for their protection as well as the protection of family members is very important,” said Virginia’s State Public Health Veterinarian, Julia Murphy.
In the Central Shenandoah Health District (counties of Augusta, Bath, Highland, Rockbridge, and Rockingham, and the cities of Staunton, Waynesboro, Harrisonburg, Lexington, and Buena Vista) the total number of rabies cases confirmed to date in 2009 is 24. A total of 44 cases were confirmed in 2008.
“The rabies virus is shed in the saliva of animals sick with the virus, so any animal bite should be taken seriously,” said Dr. Murphy. “If an animal bites you, wash the wound immediately. Call your physician, local health department or animal control agency immediately. Likewise, if your pet is bitten by a wild animal, contact your veterinarian or local health department immediately.”
The Health Department strongly advises people take these steps to prevent families and pets from exposure to rabies:
• Vaccinate all cats, dogs and ferrets against rabies and keep them up to date
• Avoid contact with wild animals or stray cats and dogs
• Do not feed wild animals or stray cats and dogs
• Report stray animals to your local animal control agency
• Eliminate outdoor food sources around the home
• Keep pets confined to your property or walk them on a leash
During Rabies Awareness Week, some veterinarians may offer low-cost rabies vaccinations. Check to see if your pet’s doctor is participating. State law requires all dogs and cats over the age of four months to be vaccinated against rabies. Vaccines can be given as early as three months and one product is approved for kittens at eight weeks. Dog licenses are required throughout the state and some communities require licenses for cats.
During Rabies Awareness Week the following local veterinarians will be offering discounted vaccinations at their businesses 9/28-10/3 (unless otherwise stated) with no medical exam required:
Greater Augusta
– Commonwealth Vet Clinic 12-2 p.m., Oct. 3 $10
– Animal Health Care of Waynesboro walk-in $15.20
– Animal Hospital of Stuarts Draft appointment only $23.50, 540.337.5005
– Animal Clinic of Verona walk-in $ 9
– Animal Hospital of Waynesboro appointment only Sept. 30 $19.80, 540.943.3081
– Augusta Valley Animal Hospital appointment only $21.76, 540.851.1500
– Commonwealth Veterinary Clinic walk-in all week $10
– Goosecreek Animal Clinic walk-in $10
– Raphine Animal Clinic appointment only $19, 540.377.9270
– Tendercare Veterinary Center appointment only Sept. 28-10/2 $20, 540.943.9080
– Westwood Animal Hospital walk-in or appointment $10, 540.337.6200
– Woodworth Animal Hospital appointment only Sept. 30-Oct. 1 $10, 540.942.5163
Rockbridge County/Lexington
– Animal Clinic of Rockbridge walk-in $15
– Blue Ridge Animal Clinic walk-in $19
– Lexington Animal Hospital appointment only $12, 540.463.2175
– Natural Bridge Animal Hospital appointment requested $22.84, 540.291.1444
Rockingham County
– Ashby Veterinary Clinic appointment requested $17.28 dogs, 540.433.9174 $19.59 cats
– Broadway Veterinary Hospital walk-in $19
– Dayton Animal Clinic appointment requested $14, 540.879.3833
– Massanutten Animal Hospital appointment requested $16.00 one-year vaccine, 540.434.2364 with proof of prior vaccination $20 three-year vaccine
For more information in rabies, log onto the Virginia Department of Health’s website at www.vdh.virginia.gov/Epidemiology/DEE/Rabies, or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at www.cdc.gov/rabies.
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