Essex Co. schedules extra rabies clinic

ELIZABETHTOWN | In keeping with the month of November being considered a time to be thankful and for giving, the Essex County Health Department announces a free "fur-well" rabies vaccine clinic. "As a local health department, we are required to offer at least three rabies vaccine clinics in a calendar year as part of our rabies prevention and control program," stated Jessica Darney Buehler, Director of Health Planning and Promotion. "We started 2023 with six confirmed clinics. After the last clinic in October, we had 70 doses of vaccine left and we were motivated to get that vaccine out to our local pets. As we work with local veterinarians on the submission of specimens for rabies testing, we brainstormed what else we could do to increase pet vaccinations and rabies prevention awareness." These discussions resulted in a clinic of multi-agency giving and an opportunity for community members to give if they choose. This "fur-well" rabies clinic is Thursday, Nov. 2 from 6- 8 p.m. at the NYS Department of Transportation in Elizabethtown. Essex County Health Department is giving its remaining 70 doses of rabies vaccines and coordinating the clinic logistics including all those working the clinic as volunteers from the Health Department, Essex County Office of Emergency Services and Adirondack Veterinary Hospital. The Adirondack Veterinarian Hospital is giving its services voluntarily to vaccinate pets and provide educational materials while the NYS Department of Transportation in Elizabethtown is donating use of its location for the drive-through event. "Clinic participants that want to join in the spirit of giving can give canned dog or cat food or laundry detergent to the North Country SPCA, where it will make a difference in the lives of our furry friends in need," noted Buehler. "The month of November is a time of reflection and gratitude. I am appreciative to the volunteers for their invaluable contribution to offer the residents we serve another opportunity to have their dogs, cats, and ferrets vaccinated at no cost, giving them protection should they encounter a rabid animal," said Linda Beers, Director of Public Health for ECHD. "We want to ensure that pet owners in Essex County can access our rabies clinics without financial barriers to keep their pets safe." Health officials said there are approximately 16,200 households in Essex County, each with an average of 3.4 pets, bringing an estimated 55,080 pet dogs and cats in the county. To date in 2023, the Essex County Health Department has investigated 113 domestic animal bite reports, 11 confirmed rabies cases and post-rabies treatment and evaluation of 56 people. With only 70 doses of the rabies vaccine available for the new clinic, those interested are encouraged to register early. Registration and more information can be found at: https://www.co.essex.ny.us/Health/communicable-disease control/rabies.

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Essex Co. schedules extra rabies clinic

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