Town Clerk Slates Rabies Vaccine Clinic

Town Clerk Cindy Simon announced this week that her office will be conducting a low-cost anti-rabies vaccination clinic Saturday, June 2,  from 1 to 3 pm in the Edmond Town Hall gymnasium. There are no residency requirements. Public Act 91-46 requires all cats and dogs three months of age or older to be vaccinated against rabies.

Rabies moved up the East Coast into Connecticut in 1991 and has been detected in every town in the state. As of March 10, 2001, there have been 4,564 cases of rabies in Connecticut, including 80 in cats and dogs. In 2000 alone, 244 animals tested positive for rabies in Connecticut. These included seven cats, 148 raccoons, 79 skunks, three foxes, four woodchucks, one dog, one horse, and one rabbit. These figures are for animals that have tested positive and do not reflect the number of possible rabid animals in the state.

The rabies virus in the saliva of infected animals enters a victim through a skin puncture or an open wound, affecting the central nervous system. It is fatal to both animals and humans. Post-exposure vaccinations must be given before the onset of symptoms since there is no cure once they appear. Since rabies is a threat to public health, the clinic is being sponsored by town officials and the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Association, whose members are donating their time as a public service.

The cost is $10, cash only, per animal. Due to the increasing incidence of rabies, written proof (not tags) of prior vaccination for rabies or a current dog license must be presented to qualify for a three-year certificate. A one-year certificate will be given to all others. This is in compliance with the directive of the state veterinarian. State law requires that all pets vaccinated for the first time in 2000 must be vaccinated again in 2001. The rabies vaccination certificates show the expiration date. Collar tags and certificates of vaccination will be provided as required by law.

All dogs must be on leashes and cats must be in carriers. Those attending the low-cost rabies clinic also may purchase the new 2001 dog licenses at that time. Those who are planning to do so should bring their pet’s spay/neuter certificate, which reduces the cost of the license fee. For more information, call the town clerk’s office at 270-4210.

Pet owners who are on public assistance can receive a free vaccination for their pet by presenting a State Assistance Identification card to the clinic coordinator. A rabies vaccination is the only vaccination that may be given legally and safely without a physical examination.