Stephens County Rabies Clinic Set for May 5th

Local Stephens County veterinarians will be sponsoring a countywide rabies clinic next month.

The clinic is scheduled for Saturday, May 5th at various locations in the county.

On Monday, Pam Bennett with Toccoa Veterinary Hospital outlined the list of locations where their vets will be on the 5th.

“We will be at the First Alliance Church on Big A Road from 10a to 11a, the Senior Center on Rose Lane from 1p to 1:30p, Rock Creek Baptist Church from 2p to 2:30p, Old Eastanollee Elementary School from 3p to 3:30p, and the Martin Community Center from 4p to 4:30p,” Bennett said.

Rabies vaccines will be $8 each.

Additionally, Bennett said both dog and cat distemper vaccines will also be offered.

District Two Public Health officials say maintaining current rabies vaccinations for your pets and keeping them away from wild animals is the best way to protect them and your family from this dangerous disease.

Stephens County Environmental Health Director also reminds pet owners that vaccinating your pet against rabies is the law.

“It is very important to have your pets vaccinated,” Slocum said. “It is the law in Georiga. Having pets vaccinated can save possibly having to euthanize and test the animal or quarantine the animal for up to six months. However, if they are vaccinated all we need to do is booster the animal and quarantine them for 45 days.”

Rabies is a viral infection transmitted in the saliva of infected mammals.

The virus enters the central nervous system of the host causing an inflammation of the brain that is almost always fatal.

The most common carriers of rabies in the United States are raccoons, skunks, coyotes, foxes and bats.

If you see any of those nocturnal animals out during the day, do not go near them, but call your local 911.