Aug. 26--Over the last 10 years, Cleveland County has seen 173 confirmed cases of rabies.
Three hundred residents have been exposed, resulting in expensive post-exposure treatments.
"If a person is exposed to the rabies virus, then we, by law, are mandated to treat these people," county Health Director Denese Stallings said.
The cost to taxpayers since 1998? About $300,000, she said.
Because of this, the county heath department is taking a proactive approach to the virus with free rabies clinics, a countywide canvassing effort ensuring vaccinated animals and countywide spay/neuter program, Stallings revealed Monday.
The efforts will, ideally, reduce the prevalence of rabies in Cleveland County.
"If there are fewer unvaccinated dogs and cats, there will be less potential for domestic rabies," Stallings said. "By bringing education and awareness to this issue, it is my belief that this will help in reducing the number of animals being euthanized and the spread of animal diseases."
Free clinics
In recognition of Worldwide Rabies Awareness Day Sept. 28 and local rabies prevention, the county health department is sponsoring four free rabies clinics for county residents.
Rabies vaccinations will be provided to the first 1,000 animals at each designated site, Stallings said. The vaccination will provide protection for one year or for three years with proof of current, up-to-date vaccination.
"We are being more aggressive in our approach to try to see the animals in our county are vaccinated," she said, "which will result in it being safer for our public and our citizens."
Fine for unvaccinated pets
Stallings has instructed Cleveland County Animal Control to conduct countywide canvassing effective immediately to check for up-to-date proof of vaccinated pets.
"They will be going from door to door," she said.
All areas of the county are subject to canvassing, she added.
No proof? You might pay.
"If they are not (vaccinated), then there is a fine for having an animal that is not vaccinated, and that is $100," Stallings said.
Are you a Cleveland County resident and would like a free rabies vaccination for your dog or cat? If so, you're in luck. The Cleveland County Health Department Animal Control Program is sponsoring four rabies clinics beginning Saturday, Sept. 6.
The vaccinations will be current for one year.
Sept. 6, Burns High School, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sept. 13, Crest High School, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sept. 20, Kings Mountain High School, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sept. 27, Cleveland County Health Department, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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