“Any pet owner that owns a dog, cat, or ferret over the age of three months must ensure that the animal is up to date on its rabies vaccination.”
Ocharovich continued, “That’s the only vaccination for pets that’s legally mandated because of the significant risk of contracting the disease, if it comes in contact with a rabid animal and then be in contact, eventually exposing other people.” He added, “I really wanted to thank our veterinary partners, veterinarians, stepping up and being able to assist the community and specifically the part of the community that has a problem being able to afford their rabies vaccinations. We still recommend that pet owners see their regular veterinarians for their checkups and all other vaccinations that may be pertinent to them. And treatment for ticks and fleas, all of those other important things but specifically for the rabies shots.”
“For pet owners that can’t afford or are having some financial difficulties this is a great opportunity to get their pets vaccinated through these reduced rabies costs rabies clinics.”
“Throughout 2022, the HKPR District Health Unit investigated 567 animal bite or scratch exposures in the County of Haliburton, City of Kawartha Lakes and Northumberland County,” says Richard Ovcharovich, Manager of Environmental Health with the HKPR District Health Unit. “These investigations included 384 dogs, 105 cats and 78 other animals. At the time of the incidents, only 34% of dogs and 16% of cats were vaccinated for rabies.”
If an animal is infected, rabies can also be transmitted to humans when there is contact with the saliva through a bite, lick of an open wound or scratch. Last year, 37 people in the HKPR District Health Unit area were treated with the rabies immune globulin and vaccine series, a life-saving treatment that can prevent rabies infection if given soon after an exposure. Additionally, 20 animals were submitted for testing with one bat testing positive for rabies.
“If you are a pet owner who faces financial challenges, then the Reduced-Cost Rabies Vaccination Clinics are for you,” says Ovcharovich. “Rabies is fatal, so getting pets vaccinated is an important part of caring for animals and being a responsible pet owner. By vaccinating your four-legged friend, you are also protecting the health of your family and loved ones.”
Rabies vaccination clinic:
- Ganaraska Animal Clinic, 146 Rose Glen Road South, Port Hope, Saturday, April 15, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
