FREDERICK, Md. — The Fredrick County Health Department (FCHD) Environmental Health Office announced Wednesday plans to host a rabies vaccination clinic on September 22 at Thurmont Community Park.
The clinic will be open from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and vaccines will cost $10 each. The clinic welcomes all dogs, cats, and ferrets 12 weeks or older.
The Environmental Health office previously vaccinated more than 150 animals at the first rabies clinic of the year on June 30.
As of July 1, the county has had 25 animals test positive for rabies in 2024, including 18 racoons, three skunks, two cats, a cow and a fox.
"The cornerstone of rabies prevention and control is rabies vaccination of domestic animals, so please take this or other opportunities to vaccinate your pets," said Barry Glotfelty, director of FCHD Environmental Health Services.
Here are some facts about rabies and what to look out for:
What is rabies?
According to WHO, rabies is a vaccine-preventable, zoonotic, viral disease. But, once symptoms appear, rabies is virtually 100% fatal.
How is rabies transmitted?
The virus is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals. People are often infected after a deep bite or a scratch.
What are the signs of rabies in animals?
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, rabies symptoms in animals can include:
- Fearfulness
- Aggression
- Excessive drooling
- Difficulty swallowing
- Staggering
- Paralysis
- Seizures
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