ERIE COUNTY PRESENTS THREE MORE FREE RABIES VACCINATION CLINICS FOR DOGS, CATS & FERRETS

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08/20/2019

August 20, 2019
CONTACT: Kara Kane 
Email: kara.kane@erie.gov  
Phone: (716) 858-4941

 

ERIE COUNTY PRESENTS THREE MORE FREE RABIES VACCINATION CLINICS FOR DOGS, CATS & FERRETS

 

Locations scheduled in September for ECC South, ECC North and Cheektowaga

 

ERIE COUNTY, NY— The Erie County Department of Health will hold three free rabies vaccination clinics in September to protect family pets from rabies, which is a fatal disease for humans and animals.

 

“Programs like our rabies clinics remind us that we have so many tools to protect public health,” said Erie County Commissioner Mark C. Poloncarz. “I want to thank the volunteers from the Niagara Frontier Veterinary Society, Medaille College’s Veterinary Technology Program, the SPCA Serving Erie County and Erie County SMART for continuing to help with this outreach.”

 

Erie County’s Division of Environmental Health manages the county’s rabies control program, investigations of domestic animal bites and scratches and wild rabid or potentially rabid animals, and these free clinics for county residents.

 

“Our department vaccinated 2,145 animals in four clinics already this year,” said Erie County Commissioner of Health Dr. Gale Burstein. “Our goal is to have 100% of dogs, cats and ferrets vaccinated in Erie County to protect against this 100% fatal disease.” A rabies vaccination is required by law for dogs, indoor and outdoor cats and ferrets four months of age and older.

 

Dr. Burstein continued, “We see cases where a pet owner thinks that because their animal never goes outside, they don’t need a rabies vaccine. But bats can find their way into homes, and any animal can escape a house.”

 

In 2019 so far, the Erie County Department of Health has confirmed 13 cases of rabies in wild animals through testing with the New York State Department of Health. Any warm-blooded mammal can carry and transmit rabies through saliva, bodily fluids and brain tissue. “The most important message we can give to Erie County residents is to leave wild animals alone,” said Senior Public Health Sanitarian Peter Tripi. “Call animal control or the police to handle aggressive wild animals, and never take in wildlife as possible pets. Call a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for advice if you see abandoned young animals, and call a licensed wildlife control officer to handle nuisance animals on your property. ” 

 

Checklist for Clinics:

-        Bring your pet on a secure collar/harness and leash, or in a pet carrier

-        Avoid using retractable or extended leashes

-        Bring a copy of your pet’s vaccination record, if possible

 

The schedule for free rabies vaccination clinics in 2020 will be available early next year, but are tentatively planned for in May and September.

 

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Fall 2019 Schedule

http://www2.erie.gov/health/index.php?q=free-rabies-vaccination-clinics-0

 

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

4-7 p.m.

ERIE COMMUNITY COLLEGE–SOUTH Campus

Bldg. #7 - Maintenance Garage

4041 Southwestern Blvd.

Orchard Park

 

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

4-7 p.m.

ERIE COMMUNITY COLLEGE-NORTH Campus

Noonan Center - Maintenance Garage

6205 Main Street (off Youngs Rd./Tech Dr.)

Amherst

 

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

4-7 p.m.

Cheektowaga Highway Garage

3145 Union Road

Cheektowaga

 

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Erie County, Rabies Information: http://www2.erie.gov/health/index.php?q=rabies-information

 

 

 

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