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Dr. Joe Savarese from the Medaille College veterinary technology program joins one of his students in administering rabies vaccine to one of the 412 dogs that were protected at the free January clinic.
Dr. Joe Savarese from the Medaille College veterinary technology program joins one of his students in administering rabies vaccine to one of the 412 dogs that were protected at the free January clinic.

Erie County: More than 500 animals vaccinated at January rabies clinic

by jmaloni
Wed, Feb 3rd 2016 01:30 pm

 First free clinic of 2016 held at North Buffalo Community Center

The Erie County Department of Health announced 556 animals were vaccinated against rabies at the first clinic of 2016, held Wednesday, Jan. 27, at the North Buffalo Community Center.

Erie County Health Commissioner Dr. Gale Burstein said, "It's good to see that so many residents brought their pets for these free rabies vaccinations. As we know, vaccination is required by law, and it is the best way to protect our pets and families from rabies. The rabies disease and vector control staff works very hard along, with their partners, to make these events successful, and their commitment and professionalism shows each time."

The rabies clinic is conducted by the Erie County Department of Health in association with the Niagara Frontier Veterinary Society, the Medaille College veterinary technology program and the SPCA Serving Erie County. At the recent clinic, a total of 412 dogs, 143 cats and one ferret received vaccinations. In January 2015, a total of 483 dogs, 127 cats, and 10 ferrets received free vaccinations.

"These clinics provide a good way for pet owners to keep up on their pets' vaccinations and keep them safe," Senior Public Health Sanitarian Peter Tripi said. "We all need to remember that potentially rabid wildlife can come in contact with pets and their owners, so it's best to observe wildlife from a distance while practicing good pet health.

"New York state mandates one winter rabies vaccination clinic per year and, while our outdoor clinics later in the year are also hugely popular, this indoor clinic has seen tremendous participation in the past few years."

The Erie County Department of Health works in conjunction with partners to conduct rabies clinics across the county throughout the year. Additional clinics will be scheduled in May and September. For more information on the rabies programs, visit http://www2.erie.gov/health/index.php?q=rabies-information.

A clinic participant surveys the action at the January rabies clinic. 

A clinic participant surveys the action at the January rabies clinic.

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