Last year in Jackson County, 36 pets — 24 dogs and 12 cats — had to be killed for lack of a $7 rabies shot.
Those were pets exposed to rabid animals, pets who, for the most part, would have been saved had their owners followed Georgia law that requires all dogs and cats age three months or older to be vaccinated against rabies.
Rabies is always fatal if not treated, and its presence appears to be increasing, according to data from health departments in Jackson, Madison and Banks counties. That’s why veterinarians in each of those counties hit the road annually for rabies vaccination clinics.
Jackson County’s 18 clinics are set for May 4-7 in 15 locations spread over the county. Madison County held its clinics two weekends ago and Banks County’s clinics will be held Saturday, May 7, in seven locations. The fee is $7 per animal.
The vaccination of pet dogs and cats is considered the first line of defense in keeping rabies away from people, and health officials say the growing number of wild animals found to be rabid increases the importance of vaccinating pets that might come in contact with those animals.
“Skunks are particularly bad,” notes Dr. Kinsey Phillips of Commerce Veterinary Hospital, which hosts the rabies clinics in Jackson and Banks counties. “Just about all the skunks we turn in are positive.”
During 2010, the health department tested 46 animals, including two skunks, three foxes, three raccoons, one bat, 24 dogs and 12 cats for rabies. Both skunks, two foxes, one raccoon and one cat came back positive.
Because of those exposures, three people had to undergo the costly and painful rabies shots, according to data provided by Shad Slocum of the health department.
So far this year, one Jackson County resident has undergone treatment (after being bitten by a fox) and six animals (two skunks, two foxes, one raccoon and one cat) were tested. A fox and a raccoon tested positive and a fox and a cat were too degraded to make a determination.
The numbers were worse in Madison County, where during 2010 11 people had to undergo post-exposure treatment. The Madison County Health Department tested 15 dogs, 16 cats, 16 skunks, eight raccoons, a fox and even a raccoon. Thirteen of the skunks, two raccoons and a fox and a cat tested positive.
In Banks County six of six skunks tested in 2010 came back positive, and one raccoon and one cat as well. Two people had to undergo treatment.
It’s not just the human toll. When an unprotected animal is exposed to a rabid animal, the owner faces a stark choice — put the pet down or keep it quarantined for six months. The vast majority of pet owners opt for euthanizing their animals.
Schedule of Clinics
Wednesday, May 4
Commerce Veterinary Hospital 2:00-4:00
Maysville City Park 4:30-5:15
Dry Pond Country Store 5:30-6:15
Our Store, Holly Springs 6:30-7:15
Thursday, May 5
Commerce Veterinary Hospital 2:00-4:00
Jefferson Animal Hospital 2:00-4:00
D’s Store, Hwy. 441 At Hwy. 334 4:30-5:15
Benton Elementary School 5:30-6:15
Harrisburg Fire Dept. 6:30-7:15
Arcade City Hall 7:30-8:15
Friday, May 6
Old Braselton Store 4:00-5:15
Hoschton Depot 5:30-6:15
Country Corner Store, Hwy. 124 6:30-7:15
N. Jackson Elementary School 7:30-8:15
Saturday, May 7
Commerce Veterinary Hospital 9:00-11:00
Jefferson Animal Hospital 9:00-11:00
Jackson County High School 1:00-3:00
S. Jackson Elementary School 3:30-4:30
