Mangano Announces Free Rabies Vaccination Clinic For Dogs, Cats And Ferrets
Open to All Nassau County Residents
In an effort to prevent the spread of rabies, Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano today announced that Nassau County will partner with the Town of Oyster Bay to offer free rabies vaccinations for dogs, cats and ferrets. Open to all Nassau County residents, the clinic will be held on Saturday, September 24th from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. at the Town of Oyster Bay Animal Shelter, located at 150 Miller Place in Syosset.
“This partnership is an excellent opportunity for pet-owners to protect their pets against rabies,” said County Executive Ed Mangano.
New York State law requires all dogs, cats and domesticated ferrets to be vaccinated against rabies. If an unvaccinated pet or one that’s overdue on its vaccination comes in contact with a rabid or suspected rabid animal, the pet must either be destroyed or strictly quarantined for six months. However, if a vaccinated animal comes into contact with a wild animal, it needs only a booster vaccination, but this immunization must be administered within five days of exposure. Since 2004, the first year rabies was identified in the county, 67 raccoons have test positive for rabies.
Rabies is transmitted by the bite of a rabid animal. However, the virus may also be transmitted when the saliva of a rabid animal comes into contact with cut, open, or scratched skin lesions. To protect from exposure to possible rabies, residents are advised to take the following measures:
Individuals bitten or scratched by any animal should immediately contact their health care providers or seek medical help at a hospital emergency room and then call the Nassau County Department of Health.
For information regarding rabies please call the Nassau County Department of Health at (516) 227-9663 or visit the department website at: www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/health/index.html. Additional information is also available on the state website at: www.health.state.ny.us/diseases/communicable/zoonoses/rabies.