West NY News

The Chautauqua County Health Department (CCHD) has announced a free rabies vaccination clinic sponsored by the Town of Ellington and the CCHD. The clinic, which requires no pre-registration, will provide vaccinations at no cost to dogs, cats, and domesticated ferrets three months of age and older.

The event is scheduled for Thursday, August 22nd from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Town of Ellington Highway Garage located at 681 East Main St., Kennedy, NY 14747. Attendees can view the calendar for upcoming clinics by visiting chqgov.com/environmental-health/rabies.

During the clinic, vehicles will follow an established traffic pattern on-site. Pet owners are instructed to remain in their vehicles with their pets unless otherwise directed. It is essential for pet owners to bring previous rabies vaccination records for each animal receiving a shot to ensure proper and effective vaccination; clinic staff will confirm these records. All dogs must be on a leash and all cats must be in individual carriers. Animal handlers will transport animals from the vehicle to the veterinarian for vaccination.

New York State Public Health Law mandates that each dog, cat, and domesticated ferret over four months old be vaccinated against rabies. County residents are encouraged to vaccinate their pets as responsible pet owners.

Rabies is a serious disease affecting warm-blooded animals caused by a virus commonly carried by raccoons, bats, skunks, and foxes. The virus can be transmitted through saliva via bites, scratches or open cuts and infects the central nervous system causing brain swelling and death within days of symptom onset.

For more information about the clinic contact the Town of Ellington at 716-287-2026. For general rabies information visit chqgov.com/environmental-health/rabies-prevention or contact Chautauqua County Health Department at (716) 753-4481.

The Chautauqua County Health Department is dedicated to supporting community health through innovative approaches providing technical assistance to partner organizations along with various programs aimed at preventing disease and promoting overall health and wellness in Chautauqua County. More information can be found at www.HealthyCHQ.com.