From the Harford County Health Department:
The Harford County Health Department has announced the schedule for its annual sponsorship of rabies vaccination clinics for dogs, cats, and ferrets that are 3 months old and over. Dates for this year’s clinics are Sunday, April 29th and on Sunday, May 6th, 2012, from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Moreover, as incentive to pet owners during the economic recovery and consistent with previous years, the Health Department has kept the cost for the vaccination at $5.00 per animal, the lowest among any neighboring local jurisdictions.
Over the past three years, the department vaccinated a total of 7,273 dogs, cats and ferrets at its clinics, more than in any previous three year period. Harford County Health Officer Susan Kelly states, “Although the economy continues to show signs of improvement, the high price of gas and other consumer goods have us all looking for ways to save money. We believe that concerned pet owners are looking for value and will find it with the Health Department’s $5.00 shot that protects their pets against this deadly viral disease.”
Health Department pet rabies vaccination clinics will be conducted from 2:00 until 4:00P on the following dates and locations:
Sunday, April 29, 2012:• Abingdon Fire Company — 3308 Abingdon Rd., Abingdon
• Harford County Equestrian Center (parking located at 702 N. Tollgate Rd.)
• Susquehanna Hose Company — Intersection of Revolution St. and Bloomsbury Ave., Havre de Grace
• Whiteford Volunteer Fire Department — Route 165, Whiteford
Sunday, May 6, 2012:• Aberdeen Volunteer Fire Dept. — Corner of Rogers St. & Franklin St., Aberdeen
• Jarrettsville Volunteer Fire Dept. — 3825 Federal Hill Rd., Jarrettsville
• Joppa-Magnolia Volunteer Fire Dept. — Rte. 7 & Mountain Rd. (Route 152), Joppa
• Darlington Volunteer Fire Dept. — 1209 Castleton Rd. (near intersection of Rts. 1 & 623), Darlington
Pet owners wishing to take advantage of the clinics and to save time are encouraged to download vaccination forms, available online at the health department’s website at www.harfordcountyhealth.com. Forms must be completed using a ball-point pen and brought along with the pet to the clinic. In order for pets to be vaccinated at the clinic sites, dogs must be on a leash while cats and ferrets should be secured in cages. No animals other than dogs, cats, and ferrets will be vaccinated.
Most Maryland counties experience cyclical trends in the numbers of rabies positive animals. In Harford County, after a low of 11 positive animals in 2010, the number increased to 17 positive animals in 2011. About 75% of these positive animals were raccoons, which typically provide the highest risk and most common exposure route to domesticated animals.
Speaking to this phenomenon, Ms. Kelly reminds the public, “We currently are experiencing an upward trend in the number of rabies positive cases. The numbers of rabies positive animals is likely to increase this year. Pet owners must remain vigilant in vaccinating all of their pets, since this is our best defense against rabies.”
Rabies vaccinations for dogs, cats, and ferrets are required by Maryland law. Certificates given at the clinics provide necessary proof of vaccination for dog licensing in Harford County. For more information about the clinics, please call the Health Department at 410-877-2300 or visit the Harford County Health Department website at www.harfordcountyhealth.com.
Do you give this vaccination to humans? The symptoms of rabies are similar to a few people on the second floor of the Harford County Sheriff’s Office.
1.)No fear of humans shown by a wild animal
2.)Shyness in a usually friendly pet
3.)Restlessness, excitability, aggression, or sudden mood changes
Just Saying! Decide for your self.