Frederick County Health Dept. Administers Rabies Vaccines To 150 Animals

It took place last Sunday at a vaccination clinic in Mount Airy.

 

 

 

 

Frederick, Md (KM) Rabies vaccines have been administered to 150 animals in Frederick County. That’s according to the local Health Department which held a rabies vaccination clinic on Sunday, June 30th at Old National Pike Park in Mount Airy.

Health officials say rabies has a nearly 100 percent mortality rate in both humans and animals after the first symptoms appear. But Rabies  is preventable in humans if they avoid contact with  unvaccinated animals; or if they’re exposed, , they’re administered rabies post-exposure prophylaxis.

Because it’s often difficult to prevent their interactions with wild or unvaccinated animals, the Health Department says it’s important for pets to be vaccinated against rabies. “The cornerstone of rabies prevention and control is rabies vaccination  of domestic animals; so please take this or other opportunities to vaccinate your pets,” says Barry Glotfelty, the Frederick County Health Department’s Environmental Services Director..

So far this year, the Health Department says, 25 animals in Frederick County have tested positive for rabies, including 18 raccoons, three skunks, two cats, one cow and one fox.

The Health Department says the next rabies vaccination clinic is scheduled for Sunday, September 22nd at the Thurmont Community Park. 19 Frederick Road, in Thurmont from 11:30 AM until 2:00 PM.  It  will be held rain or shine. The cost of each vaccination is $10 in cash or check; no credit or debit cards. All dogs, cats and ferrets 12 weeks and older are welcome.

 

By Kevin McManus