Columbia County warns residents, issues rabies alert - NEWS10 ABC: Albany, New York News, Weather, Sports

Columbia County warns residents, issues rabies alert

COLUMBIA COUNTY, N.Y. – A recent incident in Columbia County has warranted a reminder to residents regarding rabies awareness, after the Columbia County Health Department reports a grey fox that tested positive for rabies attacked 3 people this week in the New Lebanon area.

"The Health Department would like to remind County residents to use precaution if an animal is behaving abnormally, is unusually aggressive or friendly.  Stay clear and call an animal control professional. If you are bitten by a rabid-acting animal, make every effort to locate the animal and have it captured for testing.  If the animal cannot be captured you should contact your county health department immediately.  Any potential exposure should be reported to the County Health Department. Animals with a high rabies risk include raccoons, bats, skunks and foxes," said the County in a press release to the public.

County residents can also limit their exposure by keeping their pets properly vaccinated. There is no charge to Columbia County residents to have their pet vaccinated at the health department rabies vaccination clinics. Breeders should obtain rabies immunization through veterinary services. Pet owners who bring animals to the clinic are responsible for the control of their pets.  Cats and ferrets should be secured in a sturdy cat carrier and dogs should be on a leash. The County Health Department will have staff members at the clinic to assist pet owners as needed. NYS law requires all dogs and cats to have an up to date rabies vaccination.

Rabies vaccination clinics for 2013 have been scheduled as follows:

March 16 (Sat)          Ancram Town Highway Garage, Maple Lane, Ancramdale

Cats                            10:00-11:00

Dogs                           11:00-12:00               Copake Vets

April 20 (Sat)             Germantown Community Bldg. Palatine Park Road

Cats and Ferrets      10:00 – 11:00

Dogs                           11:00 – 12:00                        Dr. Elaine Tucker

May 4 (Sat)                Gallatin Town Highway Garage County Routes 8 & 11

Cats and Ferrets      10:00 – 11:00

Dogs                           11:00 -12:00              Copake Vets