Oro-Medonte veterinarian hosting low cost rabies clinics

As part of the annual series organized by the health unit, there will be a pair of clinics in Oro-Medonte on October 13 and 30.

PRESS RELEASE
SIMCOE MUSKOKA DISTRICT HEALTH UNIT
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The annual series of low-cost rabies clinics will begin next week in Simcoe County. Clinics provide an affordable way to get rabies vaccinated in dogs and cats over three months old.

The first clinic will take place on Wednesday, September 29 in Creemore, with additional clinics in Barrie, Oro-Medonte, Penetanguishene and Tottenham, until October 30. A schedule of clinics is on the health unit’s website at smdhu.org/ rabies clinics.

In our region, the Veterinary Services of Oro-Medonte (96, chemin School House in Oro-Medonte) organize two low-cost clinics: October 13 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. and October 30 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The number of clinics in the region is reduced this year, with no clinics available in Muskoka, due to COVID-19 and additional demands placed on local vets. Low cost rabies clinics are offered each year by local veterinarians who voluntarily participate in the program.

Each clinic may have special COVID-19 security measures for frequenting the sites. When going to a clinic, wear a mask, maintain a physical distance, and wash your hands immediately before and after your clinic visit. If you are sick, do not go to a clinic.

One-year and three-year vaccines are available at clinics, depending on the animal’s vaccination status. Pet owners should speak to their veterinarian to determine when their pet should have their next rabies vaccination. It is helpful to take the previous vaccination certificate to a clinic to make sure which vaccine is the best.

“Vaccinating cats and dogs against rabies protects your pet and your family, and it is the law, too,” said Felicia Ratiu, Simcoe District Health Unit Rabies Control Program Coordinator. Muskoka. “We are grateful to the vets who generously donate their time to these clinics. Their contribution helps protect the people and animals that live in our communities.

Clinics typically provide rabies vaccines to about 4,000 pets each year. Due to COVID-19, fewer clinics were able to operate in 2020, when around 1,000 pets were immunized. Anyone unable to make it to the limited low-cost clinic locations can contact their local veterinarian to arrange for their pet’s vaccination.

Thanks to the vaccination of pets, the baiting of wild raccoons, skunks and foxes, and public education, the incidence of rabies in Ontario is lower than in many other parts of North America. North.

In addition to the mandatory rabies vaccination, you can help prevent the spread of rabies by keeping your pets from roaming freely and keeping them indoors at night. Remind your family to stay away from unfamiliar dogs and cats, and all wildlife, including bats.

Rabies is a fatal disease that can be spread to humans through the bites or scratches of an infected animal. In 2020, health unit staff investigated 1,515 animal exposure incidents. Many investigations have resulted in a rabies vaccine for people as a precautionary measure.

For more information on clinics, visit smdhu.org/rabiesclinics or call Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520, Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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