Worcester County Health Department Offers Rabies Clinics To Protect Pets

Worcester County Health Department offers rabies clinics to protect pets
Snow Hill, Md. - Worcester County Health Department has reported two rabid cats found in different areas of the county this week. To assist citizens in keeping their cats and dogs protected, Worcester County Health Department and Animal Control are holding two fall rabies clinics. The clinics will be:
• Stockton Fire Hall, Wednesday October 1, 2014, 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
• Showell Fire Hall, Thursday October 2, 2014, 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

The cost per pet is $5 for Worcester County residents and $10 per pet for non residents. Please bring proof of residency. Dogs must be on leashes and under the control of an adult. Cats and ferrets must be in carriers with air holes. If this is not your pet's first vaccination, please bring proof of previous vaccination. Maryland and Worcester County laws require rabies vaccinations for all cats, dogs and ferrets four months and older.
Outdoor animals or pets are at risk for rabies transmission when they encounter rabid wildlife at or near outdoor feeding areas, are free-roaming and sustain wounds without explanation, are not vaccinated against rabies or the vaccination is not current.

In order to reduce the risk of exposure to this deadly disease, health officials recommend the following:
1. Vaccinate all dogs, cats and ferrets, in accordance with Maryland law, and keep those vaccinations current.
2. Do not allow animals to roam freely.
3. Contact Animal Control at 410-632-1340 so that strays can be removed from the community.
4. Report abnormally behaving or aggressive wildlife or stray animals to local law enforcement and report all contact between pets and wild animals or feral cats so that the animal may be obtained for possible rabies testing and appropriate management of the pet can be determined.
5. Do not feed pets outdoors. If this is not possible, do not leave food (or spillage) out on the ground, decks, porches, etc. Feed and remove the bowls.
6. Secure trash cans and other areas where animals may be attracted to food.
For more information about rabies, please visit our website at http://www.worcesterhealth.org. For general questions about rabies, please call 410-632-4321.