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News Room
- News
Release
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2nd
Annual Statewide Rabies Vaccination Day Planned for April 7
- Cities and towns
to hold low-cost vaccination clinics
March 16, 2001
Cities and towns across the Commonwealth
will hold low-cost rabies vaccination clinics on Saturday, April
7th as part of the Second Annual Statewide Rabies Vaccination
Day. In light of alarming statistics concerning rabies, the Massachusetts
Department of Food and Agriculture’s Bureau of Animal Health started
this program to raise awareness of rabies and increase compliance with
state vaccination laws.
Pet owners are encouraged to bring the
family pet to be vaccinated against rabies on April 7th to locations
designated by cities and towns. The cost of the vaccination will be
about $10 per animal. Check with your Town or City Hall for the local
place, time and cost.
Statewide Rabies Vaccination Day is sponsored
by the Department of Food and Agriculture in cooperation with Massachusetts
Department of Public Health, the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention
of Cruelty to Animals, the Animal Rescue League of Boston, the Massachusetts
Veterinary Medical Association, the Veterinary Association of the North
Shore and the Cape Cod Veterinary Association.
All dogs, cats and ferrets living
in Massachusetts are required by law to be vaccinated against rabies.
About 80 percent of Massachusetts dogs are currently vaccinated according
to statistics gathered by the state Bureau of Animal Health. Less than
30 percent of Bay State cats, however, are up-to-date on their rabies
shots.
More than
450 dogs and cats are exposed to rabid animals in Massachusetts in an
average year. Because of the low compliance with the vaccination laws,
euthanasia is the outcome in more than 15 percent of the cases or over
65 pets a year.
Rabies is an infectious and contagious
disease that can be transmitted to humans. Exposed animals must be dealt
with properly to ensure public safety. Exposed dogs and cats, which
are not currently vaccinated, must either be isolated at an animal hospital
for three months, or be destroyed.
Rabies is now a permanent fixture
in the wildlife population of Massachusetts. Though the virus may not
be detected in an area for long periods of time, it is still present.
Vaccinating your dog or cat is the best way to prevent the threat of
rabies from entering your home. Keeping your pets up-to-date on their
rabies shots is not only the law, it is also in the best interest of
your animals and your family.
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MEDIA
CONTACT: Diane Baedeker Petit 617-626-1752
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PROGRAM CONTACT: Michael Cahill617-626-1794
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