SNOW HILL, Md.- To acknowledge World Rabies Day, Worcester County will hold a rabies vaccination clinic on Sept. 28.
According to the Worcester County Health Department, the rabies epidemic in the county continues to be ongoing with three confirmed positive rabies cases in the past two weeks. To date, there have been eight raccoons, two groundhogs, and one skunk laboratory confirmed positive for rabies so far in 2011.
Although there are several ways to minimize risk from this deadly disease, keeping pets' required rabies vaccinations current is the best mechanism to prevent the spread of rabies from the wild animal population to the domestic animal population. To assist citizens in keeping these vaccinations up to date, the health department said it has offered an increased number of rabies vaccination clinics this year for dogs, cats and ferrets in an effort to protect pets and families.
The next rabies clinic is 6-7:30 p.m. on Sept. 28 at the Worcester County Animal Control Shelter, 6207 Timmons Road in Snow Hill. Clinics will also be held at the Showell Fire Hall on Oct. 19 and the Stockton Fire Hall on Oct. 20 from 5:30-7 p.m.
The cost for a rabies vaccination is $5 per pet for Worcester County residents and $10 per pet for non-Worcester County residents. Below are requirements for the clinics:
- Worcester County residents must provide proof of residency, i.e. driver's license, utility bill with address on it, or veterinary records showing address.
- If this is not the pet's first rabies vaccination, written proof of the previous shot must be provided in order to receive a three-year booster shot. Otherwise, a one-year shot will be given.
- To receive a vaccination, dogs must be on a leash under the control of an adult, and cats and ferrets must be in a carrier or box with air holes.
Report all animal bites or possible rabies exposures to pets from wild animals to the Worcester County Health Department at (410) 352-3234 or (410) 641-9559. If an incident occurs after normal business hours, contact your local law enforcement or the Worcester County Sheriff's Office.
