Published: April 18, 2009 10:54 pm      

Discounted rabies clinic coming up in Whitfield, Murray

Last year a man was attacked and bitten by a rabid fox in the Little Murray area. This incident reminds us that rabies still is a very real problem in Murray and Whitfield counties.

All pet owners are required by law to have all dogs and cats vaccinated against rabies. The Whitfield County rabies vaccination clinic will be May 2. The annual Murray County Rabies Clinic is Saturday, April 25.

The cost of the rabies shot is $10 each at both clinics.

Rabies, sometimes called hydrophobia, is a disease that attacks all warm blooded animals, including man. It is caused by a virus — a very tiny germ. The germ is often present in the saliva or slobber of the rabid or mad animal, and which gets into the body usually through a bite. The virus reaches the brain by traveling along nerves and produces insanity and paralysis. The rabid animal always dies.

Few humans in Georgia die of rabies, but annually many hundreds of persons are bitten by rabid or suspected rabid animals and receive antirabic treatment. Each year there is a huge loss of cattle and other valuable livestock from this disease. To prevent the loss of a family dog or cat to rabies, they need to be vaccinated.

Participating in the Whitfield County rabies clinic are Dalton Animal Care, Animal Hospital of Whitfield County, Higdon Animal Hospital and the Whitfield County Animal Shelter.

The Murray County rabies clinic is sponsored by the Murray County 4-H Club, the Murray County Veterinary Service and RTK Veterinary Service.

The cost of the rabies shot is $10 each. Distemper and parvo virus shots will be given in combination and cost $20. Cats and dogs should be 3 months old. Cats must be in a cage to receive their shots.



Location and times for the Whitfield County clinics on May 2 are:

• Dug Gap Elementary — Noon to 1 p.m.

• Valley Point Elementary — 1:15 to 2:30 p.m.

• Phoenix School — 3 to 4 p.m.

• Pleasant Grove Elementary — 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

• Varnell Elementary — 12:15 to 2 p.m.

• Cohutta Elementary — 2:15 to 3 p.m.

• Dawnville United Methodist — 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

• Beaverdale Superette — 5 to 5:45 p.m.

• Northwest High School — Noon to 12:45 p.m.

• Tunnel Hill Elementary — 1 to 2 p.m.

• Rocky Face Baptist — 2:15 to 2:45 p.m.

• Westside Elementary — 3 to 4 p.m.

• Mill Creek Baptist — 4:15 to 5 p.m.

• Animal Shelter/Facilities — Noon to 5 p.m.

For more information, call Franklin at (706) 278-2018.



Location and times for the Murray County clinics on April 25 are:

Team No. 1 Murray County Vet Service , Duvall Road — 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

Team No. 2 RTK Veterinary Clinic (Ga. 225 and U.S. 76, Central) — 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

Team No. 3 Morrison’s Flea Market (Ga. 225 North) — 9-10 a.m.

Woodlawn Elementary School — 10:15-10:45 a.m.

Old Eton Elementary School — 11-11:30 a.m.

Behind Coker Elementary School —12:15-1 p.m.

Big D Farm and Seed (Ga. 225S) — 1:30-2 p.m.

Ramhurst (next to cemetery) — 2:30-3 p.m.

If you have any questions, call the Georgia Cooperative Extension, Murray County at 706-695-3031.