DECATUR — Country View Animal Care will be holding a rabies vaccination clinic at the Decatur Fire Department from 4 to 5:30 p.m., March 31, as part of the Benton County Rabies Clinic Week.

Country View Animal Care and the Gentry Veterinarian Clinic are among a number of Benton County veterinarians that are partnering with the Arkansas Department of Health to provide reduced-rate vaccinations for dogs and cats from March 27 through April 3, according to a press release from the ArkansasDepartment of Health.

It is Arkansas state law to have dogs and cats vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian, the release states. New rules for the Rabies Control Act went into effect in January. Under the new law, all cats and dogs over four months of age will be required to have a rabies vaccine. The pets should be given a booster vaccine one year after their initial vaccination, but after that owners can opt to have either a vaccine that is effective for one year, or a new type of vaccine that is effective for three years, the release said.

The March 31 rabies clinic will also helppet owners comply with Decatur’s new animal control ordinance. The ordinance, passed last May, requires all dogs within the city limits to have up-to-date rabies vaccinations in order for their owners to apply for mandatory dog licenses.

All warm-blooded animals, including humans and pets, can be infected by the deadly virus by coming in contact with a rabid animal’s saliva, according to the Arkansas Department of Health. Animals such as bats, skunks, foxes, coyotes and raccoons are an especially high risk for spreading the disease.

Country View AnimalCare will also be offering rabies vaccinations at the Sulphur Springs Park from 4 to 5:30 p.m., April 1, the Maysville Community Center from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., April 3, and at their clinic in Gravette during the week of March 27 through April 3.

The Gentry Veterinarian Clinic will be offering vaccinations for a reduced rate at their clinic between March 27 and April 3, according to the press release.

For more information, call the Arkansas Department of Health at 271-1055 ext. 4, Country View Animal Care at 787-6284, or the Gentry Veterinarian Clinic at 736-2354.

News, Pages 2 on 02/17/2010