Public Health Reminds Residents to Protect Family Pets from Rabies
Written by admin, April 25, 2012
April 19, 2012 – Low-Cost Rabies Clinics Planned Across City and County on May 5
In light of recent news coverage about Toronto’s first reported human case of rabies in 80 years, Peterborough Public Health would like to remind local residents about the importance of getting their pets vaccinated against this deadly disease.
“While human cases of rabies are rare, this recent incident serves as a good reminder to all of us that we must remain vigilant by getting pets vaccinated so our families are protected,” said Tom Cathcart, Manager of Inspection Services. “Each year there are a few dozen confirmed rabies cases in Ontario animals, especially bats, so when pet owners keep their pets’ rabies vaccinations up to date they are playing a key role preventing the spread of this dangerous disease.”
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.
To make it easy for pet owners to get their dogs and cats vaccinated Public Health and local veterinarians are teaming up again this year to deliver low-cost rabies clinics across Peterborough City and County on Saturday, May 5 from 12 noon to 2:00 p.m.
The cost for a rabies shot is only $25 per animal, cash only. The clinics are for dogs and cats only and they must be restrained. Rabies vaccination clinics are taking place click here:
For further information, please contact:
Brittany Cadence
Communications Officer
(705) 743-1000, ext. 391