News Release                   For Immediate Release

September 28, 2005

October is Rabies Awareness Month
 

SEPT 28, 2005 Owen Sound, Ontario — The Grey Bruce Veterinary Association, Public Health and Merial Canada are proud to announce Rabies Awareness Month. We aim to reduce the incidence of rabies in our community by raising awareness of this lethal disease and encouraging pet owners to visit their veterinarians.

Declining usage and improved standards of practice has seen the elimination of community vaccination clinics in recent years. Like most communities in Ontario, Grey Bruce has discontinued its mass low cost rabies clinic in favour of the improved standard of care provided by your local veterinarian who knows your pet and can provide a vaccination and health care program tailored to your animal’s individual needs.

To ensure your pet is protected against rabies, call your local veterinarian to schedule an appointment. Your veterinarian will conduct a thorough physical examination and discuss your pet’s medical history. This is essential to determine the vaccination program most appropriate for your animal, depending on its age, risk factors, vaccination history, and health status.

Rabies is a fatal disease in both animals and humans. Improved vaccines and vaccination of pets and wildlife has reduced the incidence of rabies in Grey Bruce by 95% since 1992. However, continued vigilance is key to preventing the recurrence of rabies and rabies vaccination is still required by law.

Improved vaccines are also safer than in the past and now last up to three years, depending on your pet’s lifestyle and risk factors. In addition, the three year rabies vaccine may be more cost-efficient than receiving three, one-year vaccines and your pet also gets a physical exam to ensure it remains healthy and happy for many years to come.

October is Rabies Awareness Month. Call your veterinarian to arrange an appointment, and protect your family against this deadly disease.

WHY ELIMINATE MASS RABIES VACCINATION CLINICS?

For more information:

Dr. Nancy Brown, President
Grey Bruce Veterinary Association
371-1221

OR

Dr. Sally Parks
Rabies Committee Chair
881-3273

James Schmidt,
Grey Bruce Health Unit
881-1920

Harold Kloeze
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
376-9772 or 881-2431