April 26, 2004

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

HEALTH DEPARTMENT, LOCAL VETERINARIANS OFFER
LOW-COST RABIES VACCINATION OPPORTUNITY

Charlotte, NC - All next week, pet owners will have the opportunity to get their animals’ rabies shots up-to-date at the lowest prices available all year.  And, the vaccinations will never be more convenient to get.  The Mecklenburg County Health Department and local veterinarians are teaming-up to offer low-cost rabies vaccinations during Rabies Vaccination Week, May 3 through May 8, 2004.

Monday through Saturday (May 3 - 8), Mecklenburg County veterinarians and animal hospitals will offer rabies shots for just $7.50.  Pet owners are asked to call the veterinarian’s office first to make an appointment.

Environmental Epidemiology Specialist Al Piercy handles rabies and animal bite investigations for the Mecklenburg County Health Department.  Piercy emphasizes that the vaccination doesn’t just offer protection for your pet.

“The rabies vaccination protects you and everyone else in your home,” adds Piercy.

Rabies can infect any mammal. In North Carolina it is most common in raccoons, skunks, and foxes, and has also been found in dogs, cats, horses, cattle, bats, and other animals. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of animals found to have rabies in North Carolina.

The virus is transmitted through contact with the saliva or nervous tissue of an infectious animal--usually through a bite. If an exposed person or animal is not treated quickly, the virus may infect the person or animal and kill them.

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Media Contact: D.C. Lucchesi at 704-432-0344 or lucchdc@co.mecklenburg.nc.us