The world is once again joining together to raise awareness and understanding about the importance of rabies prevention. Rabies is the oldest and deadliest disease known to mankind and Maricopa County is supporting this initiative.
Andy Kunasek, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors believes it is an important topic to share. “Maricopa County is honored to take part in this important day,” he said. “We urge all pet owners to take their pets to get vaccinated and keep them safe from Rabies.”
The most important global source of rabies in humans is from uncontrolled rabies in dogs. It can be eliminated through ensuring adequate animal vaccination and control, educating those at risk, and enhancing access of those bitten to appropriate medical care. In Maricopa County, most of the rabies cases occur in wildlife, like bats and fox, but any mammal can contract the disease. Rabid animals may appear unstable or show unusual behavior. They may become aggressive and may attempt to bite people, pets and livestock.
Led by the Alliance for Rabies Control and supported by numerous human and animal health organizations worldwide, World Rabies Day is a unique campaign that brings together hundreds of thousands of people across the world to reinforce the message that rabies is a preventable disease, yet kills 55,000 people needlessly each year, half of which are children under the age of 15.
Rabies prevention starts with the animal owner. Protect yourself, your pet and your community by taking animals to be vaccinated. Avoid stray animals and wildlife. If you are bitten, wash bite wounds with soap and water and seek medical attention immediately. If your pet is bitten, consult your veterinarian immediately. Prompt and appropriate treatment after being bitten and before the disease develops can stop rabies infection and/or prevent the disease in humans and animals.
In honor of World Rabies Day, Maricopa County Animal Care and Control is holding a free rabies vaccination clinic for the community on Wednesday, September 28, 2011 at Maricopa County Animal Care and Control.
2500 S. 27th Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85009
1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
MCACC now offers canine 4-in-1 vaccines for $23 and Feline 3-in-1 vaccines for $27 at all Rabies vaccination clinics as well. What’s more, your pet will receive a basic wellness exam with the purchase of one of these vaccines. For more information on the program, or where we’ll be next, please visit www.pets.maricopa.gov or call (602) 506-7387. Clinics are held rain or shine; however, MCACC reserves the right to cancel or limit the clinic duration in the event of severe weather.