NEWS RELEASE 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 21, 2008

SUBJECT: Rabies Clinics

CONTACT PERSON : Walter L. Haydel, R.S. TELEPHONE : 301-334-7760 Sanitarian

IMPORTANT: Last year Garrett County experienced eight confirmed rabies cases; five in raccoons, one in a skunk, one in a bat and one in a bear. So far this year, Garrett County has had two positive cases; one case in a raccoon and one case in a skunk. Protect your pets and your family from the threat of this disease by bringing your dogs, cats and ferrets to the clinic in your area. Cost per animal - $5.00

Please note changes in the schedule: Some communities that were served in the past may not be scheduled this year due to lack of availability of veterinarians. We apologize for any inconveniences.

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 brought to the clinic in a cage or a tightly secured box with air holes. If a cage or carrier is not available, the cat must be carried in a pillowcase of suitable cloth sack. Close contact of animals at the clinics increases the risk of bites or scratches. Please be prepared to restrain and control your animals in order to avoid a potential incident.

County dog and cat licenses will be available at each clinic. In addition to dog licenses, Garrett County now requires that cats be licensed also. This new requirement began July 1, 2004 . License cost is $3 per year for a spayed/neutered animal and $15 for non-spayed/neutered. If a three year rabies vaccination is received, you may purchase a three year County dog or cat license.

Now that the weather has warmed up, many species of animals are more active, increasing the likelihood of crossing paths with people - especially children. "Parents should teach children not to approach any animals they see while playing outdoors, including cats or dogs they don't know," said Rodney Glotfelty, Garrett County Health Officer. "Wild animals with rabies may act tame and friendly. They may not run away, even if a child tries to touch them. They may look cute and cuddly, but wild animals are just that - wild - and generally should not be approached by people. Especially dangerous are ones that may allow you to approach them because they could be carrying rabies."

Raccoons are the most frequently identified carrier of rabies in Maryland . "Since they normally are active only at night, any raccoon seen wandering around in the daytime is highly suspicious for rabies."

In Maryland , the deadly viral disease is also found in skunks, foxes, bats, cats, and groundhogs. Cats with rabies serve as a reminder that the disease is not associated only with wild animals. Rabid cats are a special concern. Cats are the fourth most common species testing positive for rabies in Maryland . And, they are the number one domestic animal species most likely to be unvaccinated and have frequent contact with humans.

In fact, rabies in cats affects wild and domestic cats, including kittens. Kittens are vulnerable to a number of health problems, and rabies is one of them. A good rule to follow is to make sure a veterinarian examines any stray kitten you adopt as soon as possible.

Feral and stray cats tend to be common in the agricultural community in Garrett County . Farm owners need to be vigilant of feral or unfamiliar cats residing in and around buildings. Attempts should be made to control these feral cat populations by having them removed or vaccinated against rabies.

Bats with rabies pose a risk to humans since they can roost in attics, behind shutters and in other sheltered areas of homes and buildings, increasing the chance of contact with humans. Rabid bats can also bite and infect cats, dogs, and other mammals. Even though not all bats carry rabies, if you find a bat in your house, do not immediately release it. Contact your local health department to find out what you should do.

To reduce the risk of contact with bats "bat proof" your home. Use bird netting, fly screening, sheet metal, or caulking compounds to close or cover openings along roofs and vents that allow bats to enter. Before bat proofing, make sure there are no bats, especially young ones, already inside the attic.

Wounds from animal bites require careful attention. If you are bitten by 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 also 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.

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.

The vaccination of dogs and cats is one of the most critical measures which can be taken by pet owners in protecting their families and themselves from possible exposure to the rabies virus. Since wildlife rabies continues to be in Garrett County, all pet owners are strongly urged to bring their pets to one of the clinics.

All material copyright Garrett County Health Department, 2000
Last Updated on: June 3, 2008