Rabies clinics set for 7 days in April

There will be a county-wide rabies clinic offered in different locations around the county from April 12-19.

In Warren County in 2007, there were 46 rabies investigations, as well as 1,708 cats and 7,605 dogs vaccinated for rabies.

Throughout Tennessee in 2007, there were 127 confirmed cases of rabies: 22 bats, one bovine, one cat, one dog, 20 raccoons and 78 skunks.

For the first 12 weeks of 2008, Warren County has had no confirmed cases of rabies. However, other counties in Tennessee have not been as lucky. So far, there have been 21 animals that tested positive for rabies.

Rabies is a viral infection of the nervous system. The rabies virus is passed in the saliva of infected mammals. Rabies is transmitted most often through animal bites, although other contact with the saliva or brain tissue of an infected animal can cause the disease.

All mammals, including humans, can get rabies. However, it is preventable. Humans can avoid exposure to animals with rabies and seek immediate medical attention after the bite of an infected animal. Pets can be vaccinated annually.

To keep cats and dogs rabies-free during 2008 there will be a clinic offered at these locations:

‘ April 12 ‘ McMinnville Animal Care (Dr. Everett’s office) from 8-11 a.m., Town and Country Animal Hospital from 8 a.m. to noon, and McMinnville Animal Clinic from 8 a.m. to noon.

‘ April 14 ‘ Campaign Market 4:15-5 p.m., Jacksboro Community Center 5-5:30 p.m., Rock Island Market 5:15-5:45 p.m., Dibrell 5-5:30 p.m., and Moore’s College 5:45-6 p.m.

‘ April 15 ‘ Old Centertown Elementary School 4:30-5:30 p.m., Viola Service Station 5-5:30 p.m., Brookside Headstart Center 5:45-6 p.m.

‘ April 16 ‘ Schrock’s Store 4:30-5 p.m., Irving College School 4:30-5 p.m., Faulkner Springs Store Building 5:15-5:45 p.m., Fairview Community Center 5:15-5:45 p.m.

‘ April 17 ‘ Mt. Leo Church of Christ 5-6 p.m., Blues Hill Market 4:30-5:15 p.m., Covenant Fellowship Church 4:30-4:45 p.m., Morrison Market 5-5:30 p.m.

‘ April 18 ‘ Lucky Community Center 4:30-5 p.m., Warren County Livestock Barn 5:15-6 p.m.

‘ April 19 ‘ McMinnville Animal Care 8-11 a.m., Town and Country Animal Hospital 8 a.m. to noon, McMinnville Animal Clinic 8 a.m. to noon.

Vaccinations may be available at veterinarian’s offices the week of the clinic. Please contact them for additional information on their vaccination schedule.

According to the health department, store-purchased vaccines are not legally acceptable. There will be a $6 charge for each dog or cat inoculated. For more information about the 2008 rabies clinic contact the Warren County Health Department.