County Residents Are Urged To Vaccinate Pets Against Rabies

COURT HOUSE — Cape May County Freeholder Kristine Gabor announced the dates for upcoming rabies clinics in the county.
“The best way to avoid potential exposure to rabies is to vaccinate your dogs and cats,” said Freeholder Kristine Gabor. “An encounter with a potentially rabid animal can be fatal for your pet–particularly if your pet is not currently vaccinated–and puts your family in danger of being exposed to rabies,” she added.
Residents are advised to take precautions when coming into contact with wild animals, particularly raccoons. Rather than approach a wild animal, call your local animal control officer for assistance.
Health Officer, Kevin Thomas stated, “Rabies is a fatal disease in humans and any animal bite should be taken seriously.”
The rabies virus is shed in the saliva of animals that are infected with the virus. If an animal bites you, wash the wound, seek medical attention immediately, and notify the Cape May County Department of Health and your municipal animal control agency. If you are exposed to a rabid or suspected rabid animal, you must receive rabies shots as soon as possible to prevent the disease. If your pet has contact with a wild animal, contact your veterinarian and the Department of Health right away.
State law requires all dogs 7 months and older to be licensed with your local municipality and rabies vaccination is a requirement for licensing. Also, most municipalities have ordinances for cats. Many municipalities hold free or low-cost rabies vaccination clinics and rabies vaccine is also available from local veterinarians.
Upcoming municipal rabies clinics include (please call your municipality to confirm):
Upper Township, Shore Vets, 73 Hope Corson Rd. Seaville Feb. 22, 2014 1 – 3 p.m.
Sea Isle City, City Hall, 4501 Park Rd. SIC March 1, 2014 9 – 10 a.m.
Woodbine, Woodbine Ambulance Bldg., DeHirsch Ave. March 1, 2014 10 – 12 p.m.
Lower Township, Public Works Dept., 770 Seashore Rd. April 12, 2014 9 – 11 a.m.
Stone Harbor, Stone Harbor Fire House, 175 – 96th St. April 26, 2014 2 – 3 p.m.
Middle Township, Public Works garage, 400 W. Mechanic St. May 3, 2014 2 – 3 p.m.
For more information on animal rabies, go to: http://www.state.nj.us/health/cd/rabies/moreinfo.shtml.