BATAVIA, Ohio (March 3, 2017) – Clermont County Public Health is teaming up with Dr. Jerry Miller of Lifetime Pet Center in New Richmond to offer a low-cost rabies vaccination clinic. The clinic will take place from noon-3 p.m. Saturday, March 18, at Grant Career Center, 718 West Plane St., Bethel. The fee is $5 cash.
Rabies is a fatal disease that is spread through the bite or saliva of an infected animal. In 2016, a bat that was found inside a Clermont County home tested positive for rabies. That was the first time since 201, that the county had a positive rabies case. In Ohio, 36 bats and five raccoons tested positive in 2016.
In 2016, Clermont County Public Health investigated 338 animal bites, most of which were from dogs. “The best way to protect your pets from rabies is to keep their vaccinations current,” said Health Commissioner Julianne Nesbit. “Rabies cases in pets are rare because of the success of the vaccine, but if your pet is not vaccinated and becomes exposed, it is 100% fatal,” said Nesbit.
Pets will receive a one-year vaccine at the clinic. Pet owners who bring documentation of their pet’s vaccination status from their veterinarian can receive a three-year vaccination. In order to receive a shot, animals must be in good health and must be on a leash or in a carrier.
“Last year we vaccinated 99 pets, and we’d love to increase that number this year,” said Nesbit.
For more information on the clinic, call Clermont County Public Health at 513-732-7499.
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For more information contact Keith Robinson, at 513-732-7717 or ktrobinson@clermontcountyohio.gov.
