Rabid Animals a Threat Even in Winter; Protect Your Pets at Free Rabies Clinic, January 27th

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01/22/2016

MEDIA RELEASE

 From the Office of the Commissioner of Health, Dr. Gale R. Burstein

Date January 22, 2015

CONTACT: Mary C. St. Mary/Mary.StMary@Erie.Gov

Phone: 716.858.4941/ Mobile: 716.253.3925

Rabid Animals a Threat Even in Winter

Protect Your Pets at Free Rabies Vaccination Clinic, January 27th 

ERIE COUNTY, NY— Many people believe the risk of exposure to a rabid wild animal occurs during the warmer months. The reality is that the Erie County Department of Health’s (“ECDOH”) Division of Environmental Health has already identified 3 rabid animals (2 raccoons, 1 bat) this month—and January is not over yet. In 2015, a total of 37 animals were confirmed positive for rabies. The risk of exposure to a rabid animal in Erie County continues 12 months throughout the year.

“Our free rabies clinics are a great way for Erie County to help protect families and their pets from rabies” said Dr. Gale Burstein, Erie County Commissioner of Health. “In 2015, over 4,716 animals were vaccinated countywide through these clinics. I strongly encourage pet owners around the County to take advantage of this valuable public health initiative. Rabies is a vaccine preventable disease, but has a nearly 100% fatality rate.” 

“These vaccinations are a good way to minimize any problems that may arise from contact between wildlife, pets and possibly their human owners” added Burstein. “As a reminder, if residents or their pets have been exposed to a wild animal, or bitten by a dog or cat, they should contact the Erie County Department of Health at 716-961-6800.”

““Indoor” cats also need to be vaccinated against the rabies virus,” said Peter Tripi, Senior Public Health Sanitarian. “Rabid bats can—and often do—get inside houses where they can bite cats, transmitting the virus. If you love your pets, please take advantage of our free clinics to ensure all your pets, including both “outdoor” and “indoor” cats are vaccinated against the rabies virus.”

ECDOH, in association with the Niagara Frontier Veterinary Society, the Medaille College Veterinary Technology Department, and the SPCA serving Erie County, will provide free rabies vaccinations for dogs, cats, and ferrets on Wednesday, January 27, 2016 from 3—7pm. The clinic will be held at the North Buffalo Community Center at 203 Sanders Road (near Colvin Boulevard) in Buffalo. Residents are requested to bring their pets to the clinic either on leash or in carriers, and if possible, to bring along the animals’ vaccination records.

Clinic Details:

 Wednesday, January 27, 2016

3:00 – 7:00 pm

North Buffalo Community Center

203 Sanders Road

Buffalo, NY 14216

(Located off Colvin Blvd, south of Kenmore Avenue)  

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For more information

Erie County Department of Health

Medaille College Veterinary Technology Department

Niagara Frontier Veterinary Society

North Buffalo Community Center

SPCA Serving Erie County