Rabies Clinic June 7 At Town Hall Gym

Town Clerk Cindy Simon advises Newtown dog and cat owners that the Town Clerk’s office will be conducting a low cost antirabies vaccination clinic on Saturday, June 7, from 1 to 3 pm, at the Edmond Town Hall gymnasium. There are no residency requirements. Public Act 91-46 requires all cats and dogs 3 months of age or older to be vaccinated against rabies.

Rabies moved up the East Coast in 1991 and has been detected in every town in the state. Since that time 5,079 animals have tested positive for rabies, including 88 cats and eight dogs. In 2002 alone, 331 animals tested positive for rabies in Connecticut: 183 raccoons, 104 skunks, 25 bats, nine woodchucks, six foxes, two cats, one coyote and one goat. 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 open wound, affecting the central nervous system. It is fatal to both animals and humans. Postexposure vaccinations are available for humans but must be given before the onset of symptoms since there is no cure once symptoms 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 $12 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. (Tags are not acceptable.) 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 2002 must be vaccinated again in 2003. Check pets’ rabies vaccination certificates for 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 may also purchase the new 2002 dog licenses at that time. To do so, bring the dog’s spay/neuter certificate enabling the owner to pay a lower license fee.

Contact the town clerk’s office for further information at 270-4210.