May is Rabies Awareness Month

York Region Health Services, in partnership with the Town of Newmarket and the Canadian Veterinary Association, will hold a lowcost rabies clinic May 27.

It will be at Hollingsworth Arena, at 35 Patterson St., and will run from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. The cost will be $15.

Pet owners are encouraged to attend and have their dog or cat (over three months of age) vaccinated against rabies.

For the safety of the pets and the pet handlers, all animals must be under control either on a leash or in a pet carrier. All pit bulls, any pit bull terrier, Staffordshire terrier, American pit bull terrier or a dog that has the appearance and physical characteristics that are substantially similar to the dogs referred to must also be muzzled.

Rabies is a viral infection transmitted in the saliva of infected animals. The virus enters the central nervous system of the host, and once symptoms appear it is almost always fatal. A postexposure vaccine is available in the event of contact with a rabid animal.

Bats are wild animals and as such they should not be approached or touched. Never try to catch a bat or keep one as a pet. If you have bats living in your home and want to remove them, it is best to contact a professional pest control company or wildlife removal company.

Although most animal bites are readily apparent, bites inflicted by bats on a sleeping person, an infant, a child or those with cognitive impairments, may not be felt or leave any visible bite mark.

During May, York Region Health Services is working with various partners to increase awareness about the dangers and risks associated with rabies.

On May 26, from 11 a.m. to noon, in collaboration with the Newmarket Home Depot, York Region public health inspectors will be copresenting a rabies awareness and home batproofing seminar. The Newmarket Home Depot is at 17850 Yonge St.