February 15, 2008
The Jimmie Family dog Trisky was one of about 50 pets vaccinated at the free Rabies Vaccination Clinic held Feb. 1 at the Bus Barn in Bethel. The free shots were administered through the YKHC Office of Environmental Health and the City of Bethel to help protect pets and citizens of Bethel from the rabies virus. Enviromental Health Officer Brian Lefferts gives Trisky her rabies vaccination while Bethel City Animal Control Officer Gary Watson and Cyrus and Alvin Jimmie Jr. help out. Photo by Greg LIncoln, courtesy of the Delta Discovery.
Free rabies clinic brings in the pets
The City of Bethel sent two foxes to the State Virology Lab that came back positive for rabies this winter. In response, the Bethel Police Department (BPD) and the YKHC Office of Environmental Health and Engineering (OEHE) put on a free rabies clinic Feb. 1 to vaccinate animals. Anyone who brought their dog or cat by the City Bus Barn were provided a free rabies shot. The BPD also offered to microchip pets for a $20 fee. A total of 51 dogs and cats were seen at the rabies clinic.
Rabies is a serious virus that will kill anyone who has been exposed and not treated before symptoms begin. For this reason anyone bitten or scratched by an animal should immediately inform their health care provider. Your provider will ensure a rabies investigation is completed by YKHC OEHE or BPD to determine if you need treatment. Vaccinating animals that frequently come into contact with humans is a proactive way to prevent the spread of the disease to people.
If you have not yet had your pet vaccinated please make an appointment with Dr. Bob Sept at the Bering Sea Animal Clinic. Dr. Sept is in town regularly and can be reached at 543-2823 to make an appointment.
