The Carter County Health Department is partnering with local animal clinics to offer low-cost rabies vaccinations for dogs and cats during late April and May. The cost of the vaccination is $10 for each dog and $10 for each cat. Tennessee law requires rabies vaccination for dogs and cats.
Vaccinations will be provided at the following locations and times:
• April 29 – Pinecrest Veterinary Clinic (parking lot), 12:30 – 3 p.m.
• May 6  – Elizabethton Veterinary Clinic (parking lot), 1 – 3 p.m.
• May 21 – Cloudland Elementary School, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
• May 27 – Elizabethton Veterinary Clinic (parking lot), 1 – 3 p.m.
• May – (Entire month) Sycamore Shoals Animal Hospital. Call 423-542-3368
“Most cases of rabies are found in wild animals. Since our pets are more likely to come in contact with rabid animals, it protects both people and pets to keep our dogs and cats up to date on rabies vaccinations,” said Regional Medical Director David Kirschke, MD.
In 2016 there were 49 cases of rabies reported across the state, with 29 of those cases among skunks. Vaccination programs are a major factor in preventing rabies in humans. The last human case of rabies occurred in 2002 when contact with a bat occurred but was not reported.
Rabies is transmitted in saliva through the bite of an infected mammal. Wildlife may carry the rabies virus without showing any recognizable signs of infection. Rabid animals are not always aggressive. Any animals that are acting strangely, such as nocturnal animals seen out in the daytime, must be regarded as sick and potentially rabid. If a wild or domestic animal seems sick or acts strangely, report it to your local animal control representative.
People can be exposed to rabies when attempting to help, feed or handle wild animals, so it’s important to avoid touching any wild animal, especially common carriers such as bats, skunks, raccoons and foxes. If you are bitten or come into contact with the saliva of an animal that may be sick or rabid, contact your health care provider.
For more information about the rabies vaccinations clinics, call the Carter County Health Department at 423-543-2521.