By EMILY REED / Special to the Advertiser

County-wide rabies clinics will be held at various locations beginning June 10 for those interested in vaccinating their animals.

“We offer the rabies clinics each year,” said Marilyn Vaughn at Cox Veterinary Clinic in Clanton. “It is very important that people have their dogs and cats vaccinated.”

Vaughn said according to Alabama law animals are required to be vaccinated against rabies.

“It is highly contagious, and once it spreads it is very hard to combat,” Vaughn said. “Even if your animal does not go outside they still need the vaccine.”

Rabies is a deadly viral disease that infects the brain and spinal cord of mammals.

The virus is spread from exposure to saliva or nervous tissue from an infected animal, usually through a bite.

Scratches or saliva contact with a mucous membrane are also considered as exposure risks. Rabies is preventable if proper treatment is given before symptoms occur, but is fatal once symptoms are present.

Vaughn said animals vaccinated at the rabies clinics will receive a dose that will last for one year.

“It is super fast,” Vaughn said.” “If people bring multiple pets, we can just walk to their vehicles and vaccinate the animals without them having to get out of the car.”

Individuals planning to vaccinate cats are asked to bring them in carriers, if possible.

The price for the vaccines is $12 per pet for dogs or cats over 12 weeks of age.

Vaughn said the clinics generally have between 300-500 people purchasing vaccines for their animals.

On June 10, the clinics will be held at:

-Garrison Farm and Home Center: 12:30-1:45 p.m.

-Isabella High School: 2-2:45 p.m.

-Maplesville High School: 3-3:45 p.m.

-Chilton County High School: 4:15-5 p.m.

-Verbena Annex: 5:15-5:45 p.m.

 

On June 17, the clinics will be held at:

-Jemison High School: 12:30-1:30 p.m.

-Enterprise Fire Station No. 1: 2:30 p.m.-3:15 p.m.

For more information, contact (205) 755-1753 or (205) 755-9679.