From the Harford County Health Department:
Bel Air, MD – April 4, 2014 – The Harford County Health Department is sponsoring its annual springtime rabies vaccination clinics for dogs, cats, and ferrets that are 3 months old and over on Sunday, April 27th and Sunday, May 4th, 2014, from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Recognizing the very important public health value of low cost rabies vaccination of companion pets to prevent the spread of rabies, the health department has kept the fee for the vaccination at the very low cost of $5.00 per animal.
Speaking to this commitment, Harford County Health Officer, Susan Kelly states, “We are delighted to once again offer these $5.00 pet rabies vaccinations to the public. We receive many positive comments from pet owners who have attended past clinics and who have expressed their appreciation that the low fee helps keep the rising cost of pet ownership down.”
Most Maryland counties experience cyclical trends in the numbers of rabies positive animals. Here in Harford County after a low 11 positive animals in 2010, the number has gradually increased to 22 positive animals in 2013. 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. Four rabies positive raccoons have been identified early this winter, which is somewhat unusual when considering the extremely cold temperatures. The numbers of rabies positive animals is likely to increase this year. Pet owners must remain vigilant about vaccinating all of their pets, since this is our best defense against rabies.”
Health Department pet rabies vaccination clinics will be conducted from 2:00 until 4:00P on the following dates and locations:
Sunday, April 27, 2014:
• 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 4, 2014:
• Aberdeen Volunteer Fire Dept. — Corner of Rogers & Franklin Streets, 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.
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.
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