Free Rabies Vaccination Clinic For Dogs, Cats, And Ferrets In Brookhaven Open To All Suffolk Residents

BROOKHAVEN, NY — A free rabies vaccination clinic for dogs, cats, and ferrets will be held on July 11 in Brookhaven at the Brookhaven Animal Shelter and Adoption Center.

Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the central nervous system, and is most often seen among wild animals such as raccoons, bats, skunks, and foxes, but any mammal can be infected with rabies.

Pets and livestock can contract rabies if they are not vaccinated to protect against infection.

The state and county's laws require all dogs, cats, and ferretsa are vaccinated against rabies.

The event, which is cosponsored by the Suffolk County Department of Health Services, will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Horseblock Road facility.

Although the clinic is available to all county residents, the quantity is limited, and vaccines are available while supplies last.

No appointment is needed.

All dogs must be on a leash, and all cats and ferrets must be in carriers.

Vaccinating pets not only provides protection for the animals, but also acts as a barrier to keep the rabies virus from spreading between wild animals and people.

Three to six percent of bats tested annually are positive for rabies.

The county recommends the following precautions to

protect your pets and your family from possible exposure to rabies:

• Do not feed, touch or approach wild animals, or stray dogs or cats.
• Be sure your pet dogs, cats and ferrets as well as horses and other livestock animals are
  up to date on their rabies vaccinations.
• Pets too young to be vaccinated should be kept indoors and allowed outside only under
  direct observation.
• Keep family pets indoors at night. Do not leave them outside unattended or let them roam
  free.
• Do not attract wild animals to your home or yard. Keep your property free of stored bird
  seed or other foods that may attract wild animals. Feed pets indoors. Tightly cover or put
  away garbage cans. Board up any openings to your attic, basement, porch or garage. Cap
  your chimney with screens.
• Do not transport or relocate any wild animals.
• Teach children not to touch any animal they do not know and to tell an adult immediately
  if they are bitten by any animal.

Report all animal bites or contact with wild animals to the county at 631-854-0333 weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or 631-852-4820 outside of business hours. If possible, try to contain the animal so that it can be tested.