43
Board of Health to host rabies clinic
STRUTHERS
The Mahoning County District Board of Health is sponsoring a rabies vaccination clinic for dogs, cats and ferrets from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Struthers Police Department, 6 Elm St. No appointment is necessary. The cost is $6 per animal. Pet owners must have their pets on a leash, in a cage, or carried in a pillowcase.
The rabies clinic comes just one week after the county health department reported the first laboratory- confirmed rabid raccoon in Mahoning County.
There is a known exposure between the raccoon and a domestic animal, which has been ordered isolated from other people and animals, said Matthew Stefanak, county health commissioner.
Rabies is a deadly disease transmitted in animal saliva. Bites and scratches from unvaccinated pets and stray animals could cause human exposures to rabies.
“These clinics are part of the board of health’s ongoing efforts to protect our families and their pets against the threat of rabies in wildlife,” Stefanak said.
Rabies is a preventable disease. Individuals can protect themselves and their families by vaccinating all dogs, cats and ferrets, avoiding contact with wildlife and stray animals, and washing any bite areas thoroughly and following up with a doctor, the health commissioner said.
The clinic is sponsored by the Mahoning County District Board of Health in partnership with Dr. John Daugherty and the Poland Veterinary Centre.
Anyone involved in an exposure in Youngstown should call the Youngstown City Health District at 330-743-3333.
Residents of other Mahoning County communities should call the Mahoning County District Board of Health at 330-270-2855 menu selection No. 2.