Low-Cost Rabies Clinics Held Throughout the County and City on Saturday, May 4
Written by Communications, April 11, 2019
Protect Your Pets and Families from Rabies
Peterborough Public Health is teaming up with local veterinarians again this year to help combat rabies. On Saturday, May 4 from 12 noon until 2:00 p.m., there will be multiple clinics running across the County and City to help protect pet dogs and cats against the disease. These vaccinations are low-cost at $30 per pet, cash only. Dogs must be leashed and cats caged or restrained.
“Vaccinating your cats and dogs is the easiest way to protect your pets and family from rabies. While it’s rare, when humans develop rabies from infected animals it is almost 100% fatal,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health. “Wildlife rabies is unfortunately on the rise across Ontario, so we hope that local pet owners will take advantage of these low-cost rabies clinics, especially if they plan on travelling with their pets.”
Provincial law requires that all cats and dogs over three months of age in Peterborough City and County must be vaccinated for rabies. Vaccinations protect pets from rabies and helps protect your family, if your pet is bitten by a rabid wild animal.
Wildlife rabies cases in Ontario has been spreading in recent years. Last year Peterborough Public Health investigated 333 potential rabies cases in the City and County. Pet vaccination and the provincial baiting program are still required to keep rabies at bay for the protection of Ontario families.
Rabies is a deadly disease of the central nervous system that affects humans and other mammals. The virus is concentrated in the saliva of a rabid animal and can spread through a bite, cut or scratch, or if the saliva comes in contact with the moist tissues of the mouth, nose or eyes. There is no known treatment for rabies once the symptoms appear. The disease cannot be treated, but it can be prevented through vaccination.
For more information about the low-cost rabies clinics or to find a clinic location near you, please visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca and click on Rabies Clinics or call the Peterborough Public Health at 705-743-1000, ext. 240.
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For further information, please contact:
Brittany Cadence, Manager, Communications Services
705-743-1000, ext. 391