Press release
In the United States, more than 90% of reported cases of rabies occur in wild animals but pets and livestock can also get rabies. Rabies is a preventable virus that affects the nervous system of people who have been bitten or scratched by an infected animal. You can also get rabies from the saliva of a rabid animal if it gets directly into your eyes, nose, mouth, or a wound.
To prevent the spread of rabies,
· Never touch, feed or adopt wild animals or stray cats and dogs.
· Teach children to never touch or hold unfamiliar animals even if they appear to be friendly. “Love your own, leave the rest alone.”
· If you have been bitten by any animal, seek immediate medical attention so that preventative measures can be started quickly.
· Make sure all your pets are vaccinated against rabies.
The Genesee County Health Department will be hosting a free anti-rabies immunization clinic on Thursday, May 18th from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Genesee County Fairgrounds (5056 East Main Street, Batavia, NY). There is no charge for the vaccine, but voluntary donations are accepted. Animals must be at least 3 months old. Each animal must be leashed or crated and accompanied by an adult who can control the animal at all times. Limit 4 pets per car.
To save time, please click here GOHealthRabiesVaccinationPreRegistrationFillable.pdf (gohealthny.org) to fill out your registration form in advance. Be sure to print out two copies for each pet to be vaccinated and bring them with you to the clinic.
“Rabies continues to be a public health issue in Genesee County,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO
Health). “We urge pet owners to take this opportunity to ensure their pets are protected against rabies.”
The next anti-rabies immunization clinics are as follows:
Genesee County Clinics at the Genesee County Fairgrounds (5056 East Main Street, Batavia, NY)
· Thursday, August 10th, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
· Thursday, October 12th, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Orleans County Clinics at the Orleans County Fairgrounds (12690 State Route 31, Albion, NY)
· Wednesday, June 7th, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
· Saturday, August 26th, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
· Saturday, October 21st, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. For more information on GO Health’s programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org. You can also contact your respective health department: · Genesee County- 585-344-2580 x5555 or Health@co.genesee.ny.us · Orleans County- 585-589-3278 or OCPublicHealth@orleanscountyny.gov