Nassau County To Hold Free Rabies Clinic Saturday

Free rabies vaccinations for dogs, cats and ferrets will be available to all Nassau County residents Saturday, September 24, at the Town of Oyster Bay Animal Shelter in Syosset.

The clinic, put together by both Nassau County and the Town of Oyster Bay, is the latest effort in preventing the spread of the rabies. Since 2004, 67 raccoons in Nassau County have tested positive for the virus. Rabies is spread by animal bites or when the saliva of a rabid animal comes into contact with a cut, scratch, or open wound of the other animal.

If a pet that is unvaccinated or has an out-of-date vaccination comes into contact with a rabid or suspected rabid animal, it must either be euthanized or quarantined for six months. If a vaccinated pet comes into contact with a rabid or suspected rabid animal, it only needs to receive a booster vaccination within five days of exposure.

New York State law requires all dogs, cats and domesticated ferrets to be vaccinated against rabies.

Nassau County also released these tips on how to protect yourself and your pet against rabies:

• Keep domestic animals (dogs, cats, ferrets) on a leash and keep livestock confined in the evenings.
• Advise your family against approaching any unknown animal – wild or domestic – especially those acting in an unusual way.
• Do not touch dying or dead animals. If you must move them, use a shovel, wear heavy rubber gloves and double bag the carcass.
• Do not touch or have contact with any animal other than your own.
• Instruct your children to tell you immediately if they were bitten or scratched by any animal.
• Notify the Nassau County Department of Health immediately if a bat is found in a room where people were sleeping or if an adult enters a room and finds a bat with a child. Do not release the bat.
• Do not feed unknown animals and discourage them from seeking food near your home by keeping garbage cans tightly covered. Avoid storing any food including pet food outside.
• Verify that your pets have current rabies vaccination, including dogs, cats, ferrets, livestock and horses.
• 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.

The Town of Oyster Bay Animal Shelter is located at 150 Miller Place in Syosset.